High Point defeats Charleston So 82-84
High Point Edges Charleston So in Thrilling 84-82 Upset
In a back-and-forth contest that saw neither team yield, the visiting High Point Panthers stunned the home crowd at Buccaneer Fieldhouse with an 84-82 victory over conference foe Charleston Southern.
The game's outcome was far from certain until the final seconds, as both teams traded baskets and fouls in a thrilling conclusion. The Panthers' win marked their first in conference play this season and provided a much-needed boost to their playoff aspirations.
A'lahn Sumler led all scorers with 19 points for Charleston Southern, which never trailed by more than five points throughout the contest. Reis Jones chipped in with 14 rebounds and 13 points for the Cougars, who struggled with free throw shooting, making just 9 of 15 attempts.
For High Point, Rob Martin delivered a strong all-around performance, scoring 20 points while grabbing eight rebounds. Conrad Martinez added 11 points and four assists to help his team secure the win.
The game was marked by defensive intensity, with both teams combining for 50 steals and 29 turnovers. Charleston Southern's offense struggled to find its rhythm, making just 38% of their field goal attempts and committing 12 turnovers. High Point, on the other hand, shot an impressive 39% from the field and made 24 of 40 free throws.
The Panthers' victory was a testament to their ability to perform under pressure. Despite trailing by one at halftime, they took control of the game in the second half with a 41-35 advantage. High Point's defense held Charleston Southern to just 36% shooting in the final 20 minutes, while the Panthers' offense responded by scoring 43 points.
The win marked a crucial turning point for High Point, which has now climbed back into playoff contention after a tough start to conference play. The victory also provided a boost to Charleston Southern's NCAA tournament hopes, which remain alive despite the setback.
Box Score Stats
Charleston So:
- Field Goals: 31/70 (44.0%)
- 2-Point FG: 20/41 (48.8%)
- 3-Point FG: 11/29 (38.0%)
- Free Throws: 9/15 (60.0%)
High Point:
- Field Goals: 27/69 (39.0%)
- 2-Point FG: 21/51 (41.2%)
- 3-Point FG: 6/18 (33.0%)
- Free Throws: 24/40 (60.0%)