BUIES CREEK, NC – Campbell picked up its first win of the season with a 94-77 win over USC Upstate in the home opener Saturday afternoon. The win was the first of the
Jimmie Williams era, with it being Williams' first win at Campbell and first D1 head coaching win.
Campbell moves to 1-3, while USC Upstate drops to 1-4.
Lance Waddles led all scorers with 30 points on an efficient 11-16 FG, 4-7 3FG and 4-4 FT. He also hauled in five boards and handed out three assists.
Campbell dished out a season-high 23 assists on 36 made buckets while turning it over just nine times. The Camels have now won the turnover battle in all four games this season, and rank in the top 10 nationally in turnovers per game, averaging only 8.5 per game.
Nordin Kapic led the assist column with six to zero turnovers. The Austrian finished with a line of 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals.
Campbell came out red hot and connected on four of its first five three-point attempts to lead 16-5 at the first media. The Camels never trailed, and the game's only two ties occurred in the first two minutes.
Waddles had it going early, connecting on his first seven shots and poured in 20 points in the first half to help Campbell lead 44-30 at the break.
Campbell stretched the lead to as many as 20 in the second half, thanks to big contributions off the bench.
Karim Rtail led that charge with a career-high 14 points on a perfect 6-6 shooting, including 2-2 from distance. Campbell's bench was responsible for 19 points in the second half and 21 for the game. The Spartans never drew within single digits as Campbell cruised to the 93-77 final.
The Camels shot better than 50% in all categories Saturday, with season-bests 59% (36-61) from the floor and 58% (15-27) from three. The 15 three-pointers are Campbell's most against a D1 opponent since hitting 15 against NC A&T on Jan. 22, 2022. Seven different Camels connected on threes tonight, with four of them hitting multiple.
The damage wasn't only from beyond the arc, as Campbell outscored Upstate 40-26 in the paint.
USC Upstate was led by 25 points from Jalyn Patterson, pacing four Spartans in double figures.
Campbell now goes back on the road for a pair of Power 4 test, beginning with Oklahoma on Nov. 18. Tip-off in Norman, Okla. is slated for 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on SECN+.
