ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Nov. 10, 2026) — South Carolina State women's basketball battled throughout the contest but came up short in a hard-fought 54-50 loss to USC Upstate Tuesday night at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.
The Lady Bulldogs (1-2) placed three players in double figures, led by
Monajah Ford with a team-high 13 points, including three 3-pointers. Chase Thomas added 12 points, while Adena Webster chipped in 11 points and four steals.
South Carolina State established an early rhythm, using timely perimeter shooting and defensive pressure to build an eight-point advantage in the second quarter.
After battling to a 14-14 tie at the end of the opening period, the Lady Bulldogs opened the second quarter with an 8-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers from Ford, to take a 22-14 lead with 6:18 remaining before halftime.
USC Upstate responded with an 8-0 run to even the contest at 22 before SC State regained control behind baskets from Webster and K'lya Hankerson. The Lady Bulldogs carried a 29-25 advantage into the locker room.
The Spartans (3-1) shifted momentum in the third quarter, outscoring SC State 16-6 to take a 41-35 lead entering the final period.
Despite the offensive struggles in the third quarter, South Carolina State continued to compete, outscoring USC Upstate 15-13 in the fourth quarter. The Lady Bulldogs' late effort was not enough to overcome the deficit as the Spartans held on for the four-point victory.
Ford finished 4-of-9 from the field and 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Thomas connected on two 3-pointers and went a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, while Webster added five free throws in six attempts.
Samiah Puckett provided a strong presence on the boards, pulling down a team-high 10 rebounds, including six offensive rebounds. Ja'dore Hayes contributed seven rebounds, while Kimora Smith added six points and two steals off the bench.
South Carolina State forced 23 USC Upstate turnovers and converted those opportunities into 20 points. The Lady Bulldogs also held a 13-1 advantage in fast-break points.
SC State finished shooting 29.3% (17-of-58) from the field and 26.3% (5-of-19) from 3-point range. USC Upstate shot 36% (18-of-50) overall and held a 39-30 rebounding advantage.
Grace Booth and Keira Hudson led the Spartans with 12 points each, while Booth added a game-high 10 rebounds.
SC State Game Highlights
- Monajah Ford: Team-high 13 points, three 3-pointers, four steals and two assists.
- Chase Thomas: 12 points, two 3-pointers and 4-of-4 shooting from the free-throw line.
- Adena Webster: 11 points, four rebounds and four steals.
- Samiah Puckett: Team-high 10 rebounds, including six offensive boards.
- Kimora Smith: Six points, three rebounds and two steals.
- K'lya Hankerson: Four points and two rebounds.
- Ja'dore Hayes: Four points and seven rebounds.
By the Numbers
| Category |
SC State |
USC Upstate |
| Final score |
50 |
54 |
| Field-goal percentage |
29.3% |
36.0% |
| 3-point percentage |
26.3% |
25.0% |
| Free-throw percentage |
57.9% |
70.0% |
| Total rebounds |
30 |
39 |
| Steals |
11 |
3 |
| Points off turnovers |
20 |
6 |
| Fast-break points |
13 |
1 |
| Bench points |
14 |
33 |
Quarter-by-quarter scoring
| Team |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
Final |
| USC Upstate |
14 |
11 |
16 |
13 |
54 |
| SC State |
14 |
15 |
6 |
15 |
50 |
About SC State Athletics
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www.scsuathletics.com and follow the Bulldogs on social media.
#WeAreSCState | #BulldogTenacity
Source: Official NCAA final box score and play-by-play, Nov. 10, 2026.
