• The Panthers had four players in double-figures in a 72-61 win at Western Carolina
• High Point shot 47.1 percent, while holding the Catamounts to 32.4 percent shooting
• HPU opened up the game on a 17-5 run and did not allow WCU closer than seven points the rest of the game
CULLOWHEE, N.C. — The High Point University men’s basketball team closed non-conference play with a 72-61 road win at Western Carolina Tuesday night (Dec. 19) at the Ramsey Center in Cullowhee.
The Panthers (5-6) had four players in double figures, including junior Andre Fox and sophomore Jahaad Proctor, who had 16 each. Sophomore Brandonn Kamga added 13, while Jordan Whitehead had a career-high 10 points and was 5-5 from the field.
HPU shot 47.1 percent, but held the Catamounts (4-8) to 32.4 percent shooting. High Point led the rebounding battle, 42-36, and had 11 offensive rebounds after not recording one against Wofford on Sunday. Both teams made five 3-point field goals, but the Panthers only attempted 10 to WCU’s 29.
“It was a tremendous team win,” HPU head coach Scott Cherry said. “I’m proud of all these guys that contributed, even the guys that didn’t play. Everyone was into the game, everyone was excited and that’s what we needed before the break. The defensive effort was tremendous, holding a team to 32 percent at home. We were able to play the way we want to play. We played fast and pressured and while we have a lot to work on, I’m proud of how they came back (after Sunday’s loss).”
In the first half, the Panthers stormed out of the gates, hitting eight of their first 11 shots, and led 17-5 after seven minutes of action. Senior Jordan Whitehead hit all three of his attempts during the run.
Western Carolina cut the lead to nine by halftime at 32-23, but the closest the Catamounts came was seven at 60-53 with 3:23 to go. Eleven of the Panthers’ last 13 points came at the free throw line.
Mike Amius led the Catamounts with 13 points and eight rebounds.
The Panthers are off for the holidays and will open up Big South play at Winthrop on Dec. 30 at 2 p.m.