The High Point Panthers are on a 3-game win streak, averaging 85.3 points per game over this stretch, while the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs are struggling with a 3-game losing streak, scoring just 58.7 points per contest. With High Point's impressive 10-1 conference record and Gardner-Webb's 1-9 conference record, this matchup has real consequences for both teams' tournament hopes, particularly for the Runnin' Bulldogs, who need quality wins to move up from their current 363 NET ranking.
High Point Panthers' 16-0 Quad 4 Record Sets Them Apart
The game is scheduled for February 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET at the Paul Porter Arena, with streaming available on ESPN+.
The High Point Panthers have been dominant this season, with a 22-4 overall record and a 10-1 record in the Big South Conference. Their 81 NET ranking and 0-2 Q2, 3-2 Q3, 16-0 Q4 quad record demonstrate their strength, particularly in Quad 4 games, where they have yet to lose. High Point's offense has been scorching, averaging 84.5 points per game, which ranks 15th in the nation. Over their last 5 games, the Panthers have shot 49.2% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc, making them a formidable opponent for the struggling Gardner-Webb defense.
The Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs have struggled this season, with a 3-22 overall record and a 1-9 record in the Big South Conference. Their 363 NET ranking and 0-2 Q1, 0-5 Q2, 0-5 Q3, 1-9 Q4 quad record indicate a tough road ahead, particularly with their recent 3-game losing streak. Gardner-Webb's defense has been a major concern, allowing 74.2 points per game, which ranks 279th in the nation. Over their last 5 games, the Runnin' Bulldogs have given up 45.1% shooting from the field and 36.2% from 3-point range, making it essential for them to tighten up their defense to have any chance against the high-powered High Point offense.
Key Matchups
The High Point Panthers' offense, which averages 84.5 points per game, will face off against the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs' defense, which allows 74.2 points per game. High Point's 49.5% field goal percentage will be tested against Gardner-Webb's 45.1% defensive field goal percentage. The pace of the game will also be an interesting matchup, as High Point averages 72.1 possessions per game, while Gardner-Webb averages 69.4 possessions per game. With High Point's significant advantage in both offense and pace, they want to exploit these mismatches to secure a convincing win.
CHD Scout Prediction
High Point
96
Gardner-Webb
60
For High Point, guard Zach Austin has been on fire, averaging 18.5 points per game over his last 5 contests, including a 25-point performance against Radford. Forward Bryson Mozone has also been consistent, averaging 12.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game over the same stretch. For Gardner-Webb, guard D'Maurian Williams has been the team's top scorer, averaging 14.2 points per game, but has struggled with his shooting, making just 38.5% of his field goal attempts over his last 5 games.
The CHD Scout prediction favors High Point by 36.0 points, with a 0.6% win probability for Gardner-Webb. This prediction is based on the significant disparities in the teams' records, NET rankings, and quad records. Given High Point's dominant offense and Gardner-Webb's struggling defense, it's likely that the Panthers will secure a convincing win, covering the predicted margin.
Tournament Stakes
This game has significant tournament implications for both teams, particularly for the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, who need quality wins to boost their tournament resume. A win against High Point, who has a strong 81 NET ranking, would be a major upset and significantly improve Gardner-Webb's quad record. For High Point, a win would help solidify their position in the Big South Conference standings and improve their chances of securing a higher seed in the tournament. With their current quad record, the Panthers are well-positioned for a strong tournament run, but they must continue to accumulate quality wins to maintain their momentum.