Gardner-Webb Stuns South Carolina Upstate in Thrilling 67-65 Upset

In a stunning turn of events, Gardner-Webb pulled off a monumental upset, taking down South Carolina Upstate 67-65 at Paul Porter Arena. The Bulldogs, who entered the game with a 3-19 record, defied all expectations to hand the Spartans a devastating loss. This outcome is all the more remarkable considering CHD Scout had predicted a comfortable 11.4-point victory for South Carolina Upstate, highlighting the unpredictability of college basketball.

The first half saw South Carolina Upstate take a 32-29 lead, with Karmani Gregory already making his presence felt, scoring 12 points to keep his team ahead. However, Gardner-Webb's Jacob Hogarth was determined to make a statement, notching 10 points and 7 rebounds in the opening period to keep his team within striking distance. As the game progressed, Hogarth continued to dominate, finishing with an impressive 17 points and 11 rebounds, a double-double that propelled his team to victory.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. Colin Hawkins and Jamias Ferere chipped in with crucial contributions for Gardner-Webb, scoring 11 and 10 points respectively, to complement Hogarth's outstanding performance. Meanwhile, Gregory continued to impress for South Carolina Upstate, ending the game with a game-high 22 points, while Carmelo Adkins and Mason Bendinger added 15 and 12 points respectively.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Bulldogs' bench erupted in joy, celebrating a win that will be remembered for a long time. This upset is a reflection of Gardner-Webb's resilience and determination, as they overcame the odds to secure a vital victory. On the other hand, South Carolina Upstate will be left to ponder what could have been, as they failed to capitalize on their predicted advantage.

The implications of this result are significant, particularly when it comes to tournament chances. For Gardner-Webb, this win, although a Quadrant 4 victory, will still be a welcome addition to their resume, given their current 363 net ranking. Meanwhile, South Carolina Upstate, with a net ranking of 285, will be disappointed to have dropped a Quadrant 4 game, which could potentially harm their postseason aspirations. As the season progresses, both teams want to build on this outcome, with Gardner-Webb seeking to carry their momentum forward and South Carolina Upstate aiming to bounce back from this unexpected setback.