High Point's strong performance on the road led to an 84-82 victory over Charleston Southern at the Buccaneer Fieldhouse. The Panthers, now 18-4, relied on the scoring prowess of Rob Martin, who tallied 20 points to pace the team. Charleston Southern, despite a valiant effort, fell to 11-11 with the loss.
The game was closely contested throughout, with High Point taking a slim 41-40 lead into halftime. The Panthers' offense was clicking, with Martin and Terry Anderson, who added 16 points and 8 rebounds, leading the charge. However, Charleston Southern's A'lahn Sumler was unstoppable, scoring 19 points and dishing out 6 assists to keep the Buccaneers within striking distance.
In the second half, Charleston Southern's Luke Williams and Jesse Hafemeister joined Sumler in double figures, scoring 16 and 15 points, respectively. The trio's efforts helped the Buccaneers stay neck and neck with High Point, setting up a thrilling finish. With the score tied and time winding down, High Point's Owen Aquino, who chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds, made several crucial plays to secure the win.
The narrow margin of victory is a reflection of the competitive nature of the game. High Point's ability to come out on top against a feisty Charleston Southern squad is a significant accomplishment, especially considering the Buccaneers' strong home record. The Panthers' win is a quality Quadrant 3 victory, which will undoubtedly bolster their resume as the season progresses.
Charleston Southern, on the other hand, can take solace in the fact that they pushed a top-notch opponent to the limit. The Buccaneers' performance, particularly from Sumler, demonstrates their potential to compete with anyone in the country. Although the loss stings, it is also a Quadrant 3 game for Charleston Southern, which will not severely impact their tournament chances.
As the season enters its critical phase, High Point's victory over Charleston Southern serves as a significant resume-booster. The Panthers' strong record, coupled with their ability to win tough games on the road, makes them an attractive candidate for postseason consideration. Meanwhile, Charleston Southern want to regroup and refocus, aiming to build on the positive aspects of their performance against High Point. The Buccaneers still have time to make a push for the tournament, but they must capitalize on their upcoming opportunities to strengthen their case.