Spartanburg, S.C. – For the first time since the 2019-20 season, the High Point University men's basketball team scored a road win over USC Upstate in Spartanburg. The Panthers set a program record with the team's ninth consecutive win, paving the way for the longest win streak since becoming division I in 1999. Adding on to the win streak, HPU's 6-0 start in conference matches the 2006-07 season's best start in conference play.
Kimani Hamilton paced the Panthers dropping a career-high 28 points and 15 rebounds to earn his fifth double-double of the season. He shot 7-for-11 from the field for a 63.6% shooting night while going 12-for-14 from the line.
"I am incredibly pleased with our team's effort, energy, and poise tonight on the road," Head Coach
Alan Huss stated. "We were shorthanded and found solutions rather than making excuses. We are excited to turn our attention to another difficult road test against Winthrop on Saturday."
Site: G.B. Hodge Center
Score: High Point , USC Upstate
Records: High Point (17-4, 6-0), USC Upstate (6-13, 1-5)
In a small, loud environment at the G.B. Hodge Center, the teams battled through the first 17 minutes of the game. Exchanging baskets, the Panthers kept a short lead of two to four points over the Spartans.
Abdoulaye Thiam opened the game making strong drives to the basket, picking up four early points.
Mid-way through the first 20 minutes of action,
Juslin Bodo Bodo dropped in a lay-up and a dunk down the stretch to make it 24-21 with seven minutes to go before the break.
Kezza Giffa took advantage of getting to the line and knocked down six free throws to help extend the Panthers lead to five with 1:32 left in the first. A breakaway layup from Thiam after a rebound from Hamilton made it 40-31 at the half.
In the second half, USC Upstate switched in and out of a matchup zone to try to catch the Panthers off guard. HPU worked the ball around the perimeter and knocked down four three-pointers in the second half.
High Point was able to gain second chance opportunities by securing multiple offensive rebounds, leading to 12 points.
Down the stretch, a three from
Trae Benham extended HPU's lead to 16 with seven minutes to go, which was the largest advantage the Panthers had taken throughout the game.
The Spartans attempted to close the gap with two and a half minutes to go. A three-pointer from USC Upstate cut the game to 10 but High Point managed the end of the game to hold off the Spartans and secure the 78-67 win.
HPU is 14-1 in the last 15 games and 4-1 on the road with the team's lone loss to SEC Georgia.
Up Next:
High Point travels to Winthrop University on Saturday, January 27 for a matchup at 4:00 p.m.
#GoHPU
