SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Interstat) — Aubrie Kierscht scored a game-high 26 points to lead the South Carolina Upstate Spartans to a 78-69 victory over the South Carolina State Bulldogs in a non-conference women’s basketball game Monday night at the G.B. Hodge Center.

The Spartans improved to 2-3 on the season, while the Bulldogs fell to an even 2-2.

Kierscht, a 5-foot-6 guard from Salina, Kansas, was instrumental in the win, connecting on multiple three-pointers and going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line in her 29 minutes of action. She was complemented by Cassie Gallagher, who added 18 points and two blocks for the Spartans.

The game was a tale of contrasting offensive efficiencies. Despite committing 22 turnovers, South Carolina Upstate’s shooting proved decisive. The Spartans shot a blistering 53.3 percent from the field, including 10 of 20 from three-point range. They also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 20 of 28 attempts.

South Carolina State, conversely, struggled with its shooting throughout the contest. The Bulldogs managed to connect on just 36.2 percent of their field goal attempts and were a frigid 6 of 25 from beyond the arc. They scored 69 points on 80 possessions, reflecting an inefficient offensive night.

The Bulldogs were led by Shaunice Reed, who poured in 22 points and grabbed five offensive rebounds. Lemyiah Harris contributed 13 points for South Carolina State, which outscored Upstate 25-20 in points off turnovers but could not overcome the Spartans’ superior shooting.

South Carolina Upstate built its lead by maintaining a narrow advantage through each quarter. The Spartans led 19-18 after the first period and extended the margin to 37-33 by halftime. A strong third quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs 20-14, gave Upstate a 57-47 cushion heading into the final frame. South Carolina State mounted a challenge in the fourth, scoring 22 points, but the Spartans answered with 21 of their own to secure the nine-point victory.

The Spartans also dominated the glass in key moments, securing critical defensive rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities for the Bulldogs late in the game.

South Carolina State will look to rebound on the road Thursday at Queens University of Charlotte. South Carolina Upstate travels to face Marshall on Friday.