Winthrop's Rally Falls Short in High Point Showdown

High Point University held off a late charge by Winthrop University, securing an 89-87 victory in a closely contested matchup at the Qubein Center. The Panthers, ranked 73rd in the NET, managed to maintain their lead despite the Eagles' strong second-half effort. Winthrop, ranked 129th in the NET, ultimately fell short, coming up just two points shy of a thrilling upset.

The game was a seesaw affair from start to finish, with neither team able to establish a decisive advantage. High Point's strong first half, in which they scored 42 points, set the stage for a closely contested second half. Winthrop's 52-point effort in the final 20 minutes was not enough to overcome the Panthers' early lead, as High Point's 47-point second half proved to be the difference in the end.

Terry Anderson's well-rounded performance was instrumental in High Point's narrow victory. He led the team in scoring with 23 points, while also contributing 11 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. Anderson's 10-13 mark from the free-throw line was particularly impressive, as it helped to seal the win for the Panthers.

Owen Aquino's interior presence was also crucial in the High Point victory, as he tallied four blocks to go along with 12 points and five rebounds. Aquino's efficiency from the field was notable, shooting 75% from his 8 attempts, including a perfect 3-3 from the line. Meanwhile, Vincent Brady II's outside shooting was a spark for the Panthers, as he made two of his seven three-point attempts to contribute 12 points off the bench.

Logan Duncomb's all-around performance was a bright spot for Winthrop, as he contributed 23 points and 14 rebounds. However, his inability to register an assist and limited shooting from the free throw line (3-8) proved to be a missed opportunity. Despite his efforts, Duncomb's stat line ultimately fell short in a closely contested game.

Kody Clouet also had a notable game, scoring 20 points and grabbing six rebounds. His four three-pointers were a key factor in keeping Winthrop in the game, but his inability to contribute more in other areas limited the team's overall output. Seifeldin Hendawy, meanwhile, struggled to make an impact, managing just 14 points and six rebounds, and failing to register an assist.

Tommy Kamarad's performance was notable for its marked improvement in rebounding, where he more than doubled his season average, hauling in 10 boards to lead his team. This surge in production was particularly significant given the Eagles' need for interior presence, as it allowed them to stay competitive with High Point's potent offense. While Kamarad's scoring and assist totals were also above his season averages, the most striking aspect of his outing was his ability to establish a strong presence on the glass, a departure from his more well-rounded play earlier in the season.

The pre-game prediction of a 10.8-point High Point victory ultimately proved correct, albeit by a narrower margin than anticipated. The actual result saw the Panthers emerge victorious by 2 points, capping a back-and-forth contest that could have gone either way.

Several factors contributed to High Point's win, with the most significant being their improved shooting efficiency from the field. The Panthers shot at a rate 3.8 percentage points higher than their season average, which was a key difference-maker in this game. Additionally, High Point's increased three-point shooting percentage, 1.4 points higher than their season average, helped to stretch the Winthrop defense and create opportunities for easy baskets. Meanwhile, Winthrop's inability to match their usual rebounding prowess, coming in 7.2 percentage points short of their season average, also played a significant role in the game's outcome.

High Point's victory over Winthrop is a significant addition to their NCAA Tournament resume, as it marks their first Quad 1 win of the season. With a 26-4 record and NET ranking of #73, the Panthers have bolstered their chances of securing a high seed, potentially as high as a 6 or 7. A strong NET ranking and an increasing number of quality wins will be crucial in the selection committee's evaluation. Conversely, Winthrop's loss to a Quad 3 opponent is a setback for their tournament prospects, as it brings their Quad 1 loss count to 3. This outcome may force the Eagles to rely on their 1-1 Quad 2 record to make a case for an at-large bid, but their NET ranking of #129 and the number of losses they've accumulated in high-stakes games may hinder their chances. This result has essentially ruled out any possibility of Winthrop's NET ranking improving to the point where they could be considered a top 4 seed.