ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The High Point University women's basketball team picked up a 64-44 road victory over South Carolina State University on Friday afternoon. The Panthers became the sixth team in Big South women's basketball history to start 9-1 overall, and the first since UNC Asheville in 2015-16. 

Site: Tullens Arena
Score: High Point 64, South Carolina State 44
Records: High Point (9-1), South Carolina State (2-8)
 
The Panthers relied on their defense throughout the game, holding the Bulldogs to just 44 points and forcing 25 turnovers. High Point built a 28-16 lead at the half despite an uneven offensive showing in the opening 20 minutes.

HPU pushed the margin to double digits in the third quarter and opened the fourth with a quick 6-0 run to help extend the lead to as many as 22 in the final quarter. The Panthers were able to close out the game with a 20-point win. 

Aaliyah Collins led High Point with 19 points, while Nevaeh Zavala added 10 points and seven rebounds. Dom Nesland and Peyton Gerdes each scored nine points, and Anna Hager grabbed eight rebounds.

High Point shot 49 percent from the field and outscored South Carolina State 40-22 in the paint.

Up Next: The Panthers return to action on December, 14 at 2:00 p.m. when they host North Carolina Central University.