Noah Treadwell leads SC State with 18 points and six 3-pointers as Bulldogs improve to 2-0.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Nov. 6, 2026) — South Carolina State used a strong second-half performance and a balanced offensive attack to defeat USC Upstate 78-70 Friday night at the G.B. Hodge Center, improving to 2-0 on the young season under head coach
Erik Martin.
Sophomore guard
Noah Treadwell led the Bulldogs with a game-high-tying 18 points, connecting on six 3-pointers, while
Mitchell Taylor and
Brian Harris added 12 points apiece to help SC State secure its first road victory of the 2026-27 campaign.
The Bulldogs overcame a three-point halftime deficit, outscoring the Spartans 46-35 in the second half to earn the eight-point victory.
SC State trailed 35-32 at intermission after struggling offensively in the opening 20 minutes, shooting just 27.5% (11 of 40) from the field. The Bulldogs responded with improved shooting and defensive pressure after halftime, connecting on 16 of 39 field-goal attempts (41%) while limiting USC Upstate to 35 second-half points.
Treadwell provided a consistent perimeter threat, finishing 6 of 13 from beyond the arc. Harris delivered a strong performance off the bench, shooting 4 of 8 from the field, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range.
Taylor contributed 12 points, five assists and four rebounds while converting all six of his free-throw attempts. His leadership helped the Bulldogs maintain offensive production in the second half.
The Bulldogs also received valuable contributions from
Teon Tindal, who finished with eight points and five rebounds, and Deshaun Jackson Jr., who added eight points, three assists and four steals.
SC State controlled several key statistical categories, outrebounding USC Upstate 47-45, including an 18-9 advantage on the offensive glass. The Bulldogs capitalized on those opportunities, producing 20 second-chance points compared with seven for the Spartans.
Defensively, SC State forced 15 turnovers and converted them into 19 points. The Bulldogs also recorded 10 steals and four blocked shots.
USC Upstate (0-2) was led by Alessandro Perotti, who finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. Derek Edmond added 14 points, while Ries Naugle contributed 13.
The Spartans shot 39.6% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 3 of 21 attempts (14.3%).
The victory gives South Carolina State momentum following its season-opening win over Morris as the Bulldogs continue their early nonconference schedule.
SC State statistical highlights
- Noah Treadwell: 18 points, six 3-pointers, three rebounds and one steal. Shot 6 of 13 from long range.
- Mitchell Taylor: 12 points, a team-high five assists and four rebounds. Finished 6 of 6 from the free-throw line.
- Brian Harris: 12 points, two rebounds and one assist. Connected on 3 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc.
- Teon Tindal: Eight points and five rebounds, shooting 3 of 7 from the field.
- Deshaun Jackson Jr.: Eight points, three assists and a team-high four steals.
- Jayden Pretty: Seven points, five rebounds, four steals and one assist.
- Christian Barnes: Seven points, including one 3-pointer, while converting both free-throw attempts.
- Christopher Parker: A team-high eight rebounds, including four offensive boards, and two points.
- Derwin Hodge: Two points and a game-high three blocked shots.
Team comparison
| Category |
SC State |
USC Upstate |
| Final score |
78 |
70 |
| Field goals |
27-79 |
21-53 |
| Field-goal percentage |
34.2% |
39.6% |
| 3-point field goals |
10-27 |
3-21 |
| Free throws |
14-18 |
25-36 |
| Total rebounds |
47 |
45 |
| Offensive rebounds |
18 |
9 |
| Points off turnovers |
19 |
10 |
| Second-chance points |
20 |
7 |
| Bench points |
38 |
35 |
| Steals |
10 |
2 |
| Blocked shots |
4 |
2 |
