HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point University women's basketball team took to the court on Valentine's Day Night against the Charleston Southern University Buccaneers. The Panthers won their 11th conference game of the season 64-48.
Aaliyah Collins led the way for the Panthers, tying her career-high with 29 points. Macy Spencer added another 24 points and Brecken Snotherly grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds.
Site: Qubein Center
Score: High Point 64, Charleston Southern 48
Records: High Point (22-4, 11-2), Charleston Southern (8-18, 6-7)
Head Coach Chelsea Banbury: "Getting back to winning feels good. It was good to have Nevaeh [Zavala] back and getting back into the flow of things. These two [Aaliyah Collins & Macy Spencer] had big nights for us. We were able to turn them over 20 times, which was a big difference. The first time we played them, they only had four turnovers. I was happy to see that, but I wasn't necessarily happy with how we played. I think our offense was a little too stagnant, the ball has to move. We are going against set defenses too much. They were switching. We didn't get a lot of action that we wanted to get against that. I do think we have some things to clean up and we can be better on the offensive side, but holding any team to 48 points is a really good defensive effort."
After a slow start, the Panthers battled back to take an 11-9 lead behind eight early points from Collins. Spencer contributed the other three points in the first quarter.
Spencer opened up the scoring in the second quarter with another five points to give the Panthers a 16-12 lead. A Collins successful three-point play and a Chana Paxixe layup forced the Buccaneers to call a timeout with 7:29 to play in the first half. Collins hit three consecutive three-pointers for the Panthers as they took a 30-21 lead into halftime.
The Panthers jumped out to a 19-point lead behind baskets from Collins, Spencer, and Snotherly as they held the Buccaneers scoreless for almost seven minutes.
"I am a high believer, I always have been, energy, everything, starts with defense," Collins said. "Especially with us, we all get hyped for each other, and that excitement eventually falls into offense. That's what creates opportunities for ourselves. Defense is a huge key. Then knowing personnel, being able to stop players on the other team, limiting them from their weaknesses, what coach says."
After Charleston Southern's first made shot of the second half, Peyton Gerdes got her name into the scoring department with a layup.
Another four points from Spencer and three from Collins had the Panthers up 49-34 going into the final quarter.
High Point took a 23-point lead, 59-36, after four more free throws, a layup from Spencer, two Paxixe free throws, and a Collins jumper. Nevaeh Zavala made her return with a three-pointer late as the Panthers won 64-48.
The Panthers forced 21 turnovers with 13 steals and six blocks. High Point led in fast break points 16-3.
Up Next: The Panthers will go back on the road with a matchup against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Wednesday, February 18, at 6:30 p.m.
#H3U x #GoHPU
