Estero, Fla. – In the Panthers second game of the Gulf Coast Showcase, the High Point University men's basketball team took it down to the wire with Illinois State. Due for a tight game victory, HPU came out on top in the last 30 seconds of the game with a big-time bucket from
Duke Miles.
"Our guys showed a great deal of grit and determination down the stretch," head coach
Alan Huss stated after the game. "Illinois state is a very well coached and extremely physical team. We are excited to compete for a championship tomorrow night."
Site: Hertz Arena
Score: High Point 74, Illinois State 72
Records: High Point (3-2), Illinois State (3-2)
It was a physical and tough game between the Panthers and Redbirds. Fighting through the full 40 minutes of action, the last minute of play had everyone in the arena on their feet.
Down by one with two and a half minutes left to play,
Abdoulaye Thiam was sent to the line for two shots. Knocking down one of two free throws, he tied the game at 72 all with 1:16 left on the clock.
Holding the Redbirds from taking the lead, HPU secured the defensive rebound and called a time out after getting across half court. Out of the huddle, Miles was able to drive inside the paint for a pull up jumper to put the Panthers on top.
Illinois State had three shot attempts in the final 17 seconds of play, but HPU's tight and contested defense prevented the Redbirds from scoring.
From the jump, High Point dominated in multiple areas of the game. After posting a seven-point lead at the half, the Panthers opened the second half on fire from three-point range.
Trae Benham and Thiam popped off with two threes a piece in the first five minutes of second half action, helping guide the team to nine total as a team.
Another area that the Panthers dominated in was on the boards. HPU out rebounded the Redbirds 35-25, led by Benham who recorded his first double-double of his junior season with 10 rebounds and 12 points.
Juslin Bodo Bodo scored six of his eight points off dunks and picked up six rebounds. Thiam led the team with 22 points, recording his second 20-piece game of the season.
UP NEXT:
High Point will play the winner of the Wright State versus Hofstra game on Wednesday, November 22 at 7:30 PM for a chance to win the Gulf Coast Showcase Tournament.
#GoHPU
