SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Gardner-Webb traveled to USC Upstate on Saturday afternoon to close out the regular season. The Spartans came out with the win with the final score at 75-69.
 
The Spartans carried a 31-26 edge into the halftime break after taking back the early lead three minutes into the game. USC Upstate never trailed again during the action as they lead for most of the afternoon.
 
Gardner-Webb went on a scoring stretch late in the game that brought the game back within a possession a pair of times. The first time they brought it this close was with three minutes to play as Quest Aldridge hit on his first three of the day to make it 63-60. After a pair of three throws from the Spartans, DQ Nicholas converted a layup to bring it back within three.
 
USC Upstate made ten of eleven shots from the free throw line in the closing minutes to hold on for the win. They were led by a trio of players who each tallied 16 points with them being Khydarius Smith, Jordan Gainey, and Trae Broadnax.
 
Anthony Selden led the team in scoring as he tied his career high in scoring with 21. Reid finished with 14, Nicholas had 13 and Caleb Robinson with 10. Reid pulled down 10 rebounds to add another double double to his season total. Selden, Reid, and Dufeal each had a pair of blocked shots during the action.
 
Gardner-Webb will compete in the Big South Tournament starting next week. Gardner-Webb will have their first game on Friday, March 3 competing in the quarterfinals of the event. The seedings for the event will be released later this evening once the regular season has come to an end.