GAME INFO
Thursday, Jan. 16-- at UNC Asheville (Asheville, NC.), 6 p.m.
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The High Point University men's basketball team (3-13) will continue Big South Conference play when it travels to UNC Asheville (7-7) on Thursday evening (Jan. 16).
 
Matchup History
Although UNC Asheville holds a 34-24 edge in the all-time series record, the Panthers have had the advantage over the Bulldogs as of late. HPU has won three out of the last four meetings against the UNCA, including a two-game sweep last season. This is the first matchup between the schools this season, with the second coming on HPU's senior day (Feb. 27) at Mills Center.
 
Across the Bench
UNC Asheville enters the contest coming off of its first conference win, a 71-69 buzzer-beater against Charleston Southern on Saturday (Jan.11.). Their schedule of non-conference play is highlighted by a road loss against Tennessee, where the Bulldogs kept it close against the Volunteers, 73-68.
 
The Bulldogs are led by sophomore Devon Baker, who was named to the Big South Preseason All-Conference First-Team. Baker sits at fourth in scoring in the Big South with 16.2 points per game, also adding just under three assists as well. 
 
UNC Asheville is coached by Mike Morrell, who is in his second season with the Bulldogs. Morrell comes from the Shaka Smart coaching tree, working under Smart as an assistant at VCU (2011-2015) and Texas (2015-2018). In his inaugural season Asheville touted the nation's youngest roster in NCAA Division I, finishing the season with a mark of 4-27
 
But He's Only a Freshman
Freshman John-Michael Wright leads all Big South freshmen in scoring averaging with 13.4 per game, which also ranks him 11th in scoring in the conference overall. He is also the top freshman in rebounding with 5.4 boards per game, which is also ranked 11th overall in the conference.
 
New Year New Cliff?
Cliff Thomas Jr. has been a different player since the turn of the new year, increasing his production on the offensive side of the floor. The redshirt junior is averaging 12.4 points per game in his last five, including a back to back 14-point games in the last two contests against Winthrop (Jan. 8) and Presbyterian (Jan.11).
 
Swiper No Swiping!
John-Michael Wright has been a nightmare for opposing ballhandlers this season. The freshman out of Fayetteville has 17 steals, including a two-steal game in the Panthers last game.
 
Can I Help You?
Not only is John-Michael Wright a tremendous scorer but he is a great facilitator as well, leading the team in assists on the year with 29.
 
Money from the Charity Stripe
Curtis Holland III is cashing in on every opportunity he gets at the free throw line. He leads the Big South, shooting 80% on the year.
 
Block Party
The Panthers rank 156rd out of 350 schools in blocked shots per game averaging 3.4 per contest.
 
Glass Cleaners
High Point have been terrific on the offensive and defensive boards. They rank third in the Big South in rebounding margin at +1.6.

JMW Seeing Double
John-Michael Wright has recorded double digits in 10 of his first 14 games. He has reached the 20-point plateau twice, including a career-high 25 points against Valpo (12/18/19).
 
JUST BLOCKin' it
Redshirt junior Cliff Thomas Jr. ranks sixth in the Big South with 0.8 blocks per game.
 
Chairman of the Offensive boards
Redshirt sophomore Caden Sanchez ranks second in the Big South with 2.4 offensive rebounds a game.
 
They Are Free for a Reason
High Point is the 193rd best free throw shooting team in the country.
 
Defensive Boards
High Point leads the Big South with a 32.1 a game rebounding defense.
 
Up Next: HPU will return to Millis Center when they take on Charleston Southern on Saturday (Jan. 18) and will be the first home game for the Panthers in 10 days.
 
 
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