WESTWEGO, La. — The High Point University women's basketball team handed College of Charleston its first loss after defeating the Cougars, 70-59, in the Big Easy Classic. 

Site: Alario Center
Score: High Point 70, Charleston 59
Records: High Point (7-1), Charleston (6-1)

Head Coach Chelsea Banbury: "I'm really proud of how our girls came in ready to play. Charleston is a really good team and we did a great job taking care of the ball. Anna [Hager] and Macy [Spencer] were excellent for us offensively and on the boards. They were difference makers for us"

High Point got off to a solid start, using early baskets from Brecken Snotherly and a three from Anna Hager to build momentum. After Charleston briefly moved in front late in the opening quarter, Macy Spencer responded with a corner three and Dom Nesland added a transition layup to give HPU a 19–17 lead after one.

A 7–0 run midway through the second quarter, fueled by a Spencer three and a Nesland fastbreak finish, helped the Panthers create separation. Spencer added another triple in the final two minutes as High Point carried a 35–28 advantage into halftime.

Charleston closed the gap in the third, but Aaliyah Collins kept the Panthers steady with a pair of drives to the rim, while Hager and Nesland added key baskets to maintain a 47–40 lead heading into the fourth.

The Panthers took control in the final period. Hager opened the quarter with back-to-back threes and later knocked down her sixth of the game to push the lead to double digits. Spencer added another three, and Collins' deep make with just over two minutes remaining sealed the win.

Hager led High Point with a career-high 25 points on 6-of-9 shooting from three and grabbed nine rebounds. Spencer posted a double-double with 16 points, and 10 rebounds and Collins finished with 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Snotherly and Nesland combined for 14 points in the victory.

Up Next: The Panthers return home to the Qubein Center next week as non-conference play continues as they host University of Virginia Wise at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1.