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The High Point Panthers head to Spartanburg this Thursday for a Big South battle against the USC Upstate Spartans at the Hodge Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, with all the action streaming live on ESPN+. High Point enters this matchup as the class of the conference, boasting a 22-4 overall record and a dominant 10-1 mark in Big South play. The Panthers are currently on a six-game winning streak and have been efficient on the road, posting a 6-2 away record. USC Upstate, meanwhile, sits at 11-14 (3-7 Big South) but remains a dangerous out at home, where they have secured eight of their eleven wins this season.
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This is the second meeting between the two programs this year; High Point took the first contest 89-69 back on January 17. While the Panthers are heavy 12.5-point favorites, the Spartans are coming off a confidence-boosting 100-94 overtime win against Charleston Southern. With High Point chasing a regular-season title and Upstate looking to play spoiler in front of their home crowd, the intensity at the Hodge Center should be high.
High Point vs USC Upstate Odds
The latest betting lines show High Point as a double-digit favorite on the road, with the total suggesting a high-scoring affair. Be sure to monitor the latest college basketball odds for any late fluctuations before the ball is tipped.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| High Point | -900 | -12.5 (-115) | O 153.5 (-110) |
| USC Upstate | +600 | +12.5 (-105) | U 153.5 (-110) |
High Point Betting Form
High Point owns one of the most explosive offenses in the country, ranking 8th nationally by averaging 90.9 points per game. Their efficiency is a nightmare for opposing defenses; the Panthers shoot 50.1% from the floor, a mark that puts them 15th in the nation. Terry Anderson has been the focal point lately, coming off a 24-point performance against Radford. He is complemented by a deep rotation featuring Rob Martin and Cam’Ron Fletcher, both of whom provide veteran leadership and scoring versatility. Perhaps most impressively, High Point ranks 4th in the country in free throws made per game, consistently putting pressure on the rim and getting to the line.
The Panthers are not just an offensive juggernaut; they also lead the Big South in defensive rating and turnovers forced. In their recent win over Charleston Southern, they forced a staggering 29 turnovers. This ability to turn defense into easy transition points makes them incredibly difficult to cover when they get into a rhythm. For a deeper look at their season trends, check out the High Point stats and results. At this stage of the season, health is relatively stable for High Point, but you should always verify the High Point injury report to ensure no late scratches among their starting five.
USC Upstate Betting Form
The Spartans play a much more volatile style of basketball, but they have shown they can fill it up when the shots are falling. In their 100-point outburst last Saturday, Karmani Gregory and Mason Bendinger combined for 54 points, proving they have the individual talent to test High Point’s perimeter defenders. Upstate is particularly effective at the Hodge Center, where their shooting percentages see a significant uptick compared to their road performances. You can track their home-court splits on the USC Upstate schedule and stats page.
Defensively, the Spartans have struggled to contain elite size. While Jafeth Martinez provides a solid presence in the paint with 37 blocks on the year, the team as a whole has had difficulty stopping teams that can score from multiple levels. Against a High Point team that shoots over 50%, the Spartans will likely need to turn this into a shootout to stay within the spread. To see if their defensive depth is fully available, keep an eye on the USC Upstate injury report leading up to the 7:00 PM start.
High Point vs USC Upstate Matchup Breakdown
The outcome of this game likely hinges on USC Upstate’s ability to handle High Point’s ball pressure. In the first meeting, the Spartans actually outrebounded the Panthers but were undone by a massive second-half run fueled by turnovers.
- Free Throw Disparity: High Point lives at the charity stripe. If USC Upstate’s aggressive defense leads to early foul trouble for Bendinger or Gregory, the Spartans will struggle to keep pace with the Panthers’ scoring output.
- Effective Field Goal Percentage: High Point is one of the top shooting teams in conference history. Upstate ranks near the bottom of the league in opponent field goal percentage, which creates a significant mismatch for the home side.
- Transition Points: High Point averages over 11 steals per game. If the Spartans aren’t careful with the ball—especially after High Point’s 29-turnover defensive masterclass last week—this game could get away from them early.
While the Spartans’ home-court energy is a factor, they are facing a High Point team that is 50 weeks deep into the mid-major top 25 rankings. Following a college basketball betting guide would point toward the efficiency edge heavily favoring the road favorite.
High Point vs USC Upstate Predictions and Best Bets
I think High Point is the play here, even with a double-digit spread on the road. The Panthers are simply too efficient and too experienced for an Upstate team that has struggled with consistency in Big South play. While Upstate’s recent 100-point game is eye-catching, that came against a much weaker Charleston Southern defense. High Point’s ability to force turnovers and convert at a 50% clip should allow them to pull away in the second half, much like they did in the first meeting when they won by 20.
Regarding the total, I am leaning toward the Over 153.5. High Point doesn’t take their foot off the gas, and Upstate’s recent form suggests they are willing to play at a faster pace to maximize their scoring opportunities. If both teams hit their season averages, we should see this game land in the 160s. High Point’s offense is a well-oiled machine right now, and I don’t see the Spartans finding enough stops to keep the score down.
Best Bet: High Point -12.5 (-115).
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