Preview: South Carolina Upstate at Charleston Southern

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — Charleston Southern looks to rebound from a narrow overtime loss and solidify its position in the Big South Conference standings when it hosts struggling South Carolina Upstate on Wednesday night.

The Buccaneers (11-8) fell 84-82 in overtime to High Point on Saturday, a game in which forward Reis Jones posted a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Jones has been a consistent force, averaging 9.1 points and 7.4 rebounds over his last seven games while providing significant rim protection.

Charleston Southern has won three of its last five, including an 86-83 conference victory over UNC Asheville on Jan. 3. The Buccaneers’ offense has shown potency, scoring 113 points in a win over North Florida last month.

South Carolina Upstate (8-10) enters on a four-game skid, most recently a 71-50 home loss to Winthrop. In that contest, guard Breylin Garcia led the Spartans with 16 points off the bench. Garcia has provided scoring sparks, averaging 7.5 points per game this season, but the team has struggled defensively during its losing streak, allowing an average of 77.3 points.

The Spartans’ last win came against non-Division I opponent Southern Wesleyan on Dec. 17. Their conference record sits at 0-2.

Historically, the Buccaneers have dominated the series, winning 10 of the last 11 meetings. The teams will meet again in Spartanburg on Feb. 7.

For Charleston Southern, limiting turnovers and leveraging Jones’ interior presence will be key. For South Carolina Upstate, finding consistent scoring beyond Garcia and improving defensive communication are urgent priorities to snap its losing streak and secure a crucial road conference win.

Tipoff at the CSU Field House is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.