The Basics
Score: Charleston Southern 60 – USC Upstate 49
Record: CSU (3-11), (1-0) – UPST (5-10), (0-1)
Location: Buccaneer Fieldhouse
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Southern women's basketball team opened Big South play with a 60-49 victory over USC Upstate on Wednesday afternoon inside the Buccaneer Fieldhouse, riding a dominant scoring performance from
Tyonna Bailey to secure the Bucs' first conference win of the season.
Bailey poured in 28 points, setting the tone offensively and delivering timely baskets throughout all four quarters as CSU moves to 1-0 in Big South action. After crawling back from a halftime deficit, the Buccaneers were able to fend off multiple Spartan pushes with consistent execution on both ends of the floor.
Charleston Southern came out with energy in the opening period behind Bailey's early scoring touch. The Buccaneers shot nearly 50 percent from the floor in the quarter and established control in the paint, taking an 18-16 lead after 10 minutes. CSU's scoring went cold in the second quarter, only mustering up eight points in the frame. USC Upstate took advantage of the poor shooting and held a 28-26 lead at the break.
Charleston Southern responded out of the break, trimming the deficit with improved shooting and defensive pressure. CSU began crawling back with key baskets from Bailey and
Thelma Barbitch that fueled an 8-0 run and put the Bucs back in front going into the fourth. The Buccaneers closed the game with poise, answering every Spartan surge with timely scoring execution from the free throw line. Bailey continued to shoulder the offensive load, scoring in eight points down the stretch to seal the 60-49 comeback victory and open Big South play unbeaten.
Box Score Highlights
Charleston Southern Individuals:
USC Upstate Individuals:
- Aijah Palmore: 16 points, 14 rebounds
- Cassie Gallagher: 13 points
Team Stats
Charleston Southern shot 37.0 percent (20-for-54) from the field and 6-for-25 (24.0%) from three-point range, while converting 14-of-18 (77.8%) from the free-throw line. The Buccaneers and Spartans were even in points in the paint (22-22) while CSU led 22-16 in points off turnovers. Upstate shot 32.3 percent (20-for-62) and went 5-for-27 (18.5%) from beyond the arc.
Turning Point
Charleston Southern regained momentum midway through the third quarter, responding to a USC Upstate run with a quick 8-0 scoring burst fueled by back-to-back threes from Barbitch and Bailey. The response halted the Spartans' push and allowed CSU to maintain control entering the final period.
Key Stats & Notes
- Tyonna Bailey notched her fourth 20-point game of the season.
- Thelma Barbitch reached double figures for the seventh time this season and for the first time in three games.
- Caelan Ellis tied her career-high with three assists.
- Today marked the first time this season that the Bucs have won a game while being outrebounded by their opponent.
- CSU held an opponent under 50 points for the first time this year.
- This is the third-straight season that Charleston Southern has won its conference opener.
Up Next
The Buccaneers continue Big South play on Saturday, January 3 as they take on Radford at 2:00 p.m. on ESPN+ in the Dedmon Center.
For the latest information on CSU women's basketball, follow
@CSUBucsWBB on
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www.CSUSports.com.
---#BucStrong---
