The Bulldogs led only 30-26 just three minutes into the second half before taking control with the 24-6 run for a 54-32 lead. Terrance Woodbury capped the run with a fast-break dunk.
Carter Cook led South Carolina-Upstate (0-1) with 11 points. Bobby Davis added nine points and 12 rebounds.
South Carolina-Upstate committed 29 turnovers in its first game against a Southeastern Conference team since losing at Mississippi on Nov. 30, 1985.