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Dec. 7, 2011 – Panthers fall short vs. Wake Forest before capacity crowd, Tubby Smith honored at halftime
FULL GAME STORY
TUBBY SMITH STORY
GAME PHOTO GALLERY
TUBBY SMITH PHOTO GALLERY
GAME HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
TUBBY SMITH HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

The High Point men's basketball got an eight-point deficit down to two with 30 seconds remaining but couldn't tie it in an 87-83 loss to Wake Forest before a crowd of 1,801 at the Millis Center. Senior Nick Barbour scored a season-high 35 points including 24 in the second half for HPU.

At halftime of the game HPU honored 1973 alum and national champion coach Orlando "Tubby" Smith. Smith played at HPU from 1969-73 and still ranks seventh all-time in scoring.  A banner was unveiled and Smith was presented a framed replica by HPU president Dr. Nido Qubein and Athletic Director Craig Keilitz.

It was the first time High Point has ever hosted an ACC opponent in men's basketball. The crowd of 1,801 was standing-room-only.

Barbour's 35 points led all scorers and his seven three-pointers were a season high. Senior guard Shay Shine scored 19 points and junior Corey Law scored 11. Junior forward Branimir Mikulic scored eight points with eight rebounds.

The Panthers trailed, 83-75, with under two minutes to play when sophomore Xavier Martin hit a three-pointer. After Tony Chennault hit a jumper, Barbour hit a pair of free throws and a three-pointer to get the Panthers within two points (85-83) with 30 seconds remaining. After several stoppages, Wake Forest inbounded the ball and Barbour fouled Nikita Mescheriakov, who drained a pair of free throws to finish the game for the Demon Deacons. Down four, the Panthers attempted a pair of three-pointers in the closing seconds but neither went in.