HPU MBB Panthers’ Red-Hot Shooting Takes Down Western Carolina, 86-59

• HPU shot 66.7 percent, the highest field goal percentage against a Division I opponent in school history
• Juniors Brandonn Kamga (25 points) and Jahaad Proctor (24) combined for 49 points
• High Point opened the second half on a 20-3 run to break open the game

HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point University men’s basketball team shot 66.7 percent on its way to an 86-59 victory over Western Carolina Saturday night (Dec. 15) at the Millis Center.

The Panthers (5-5) hit 36 of 54 shots in the game, good enough for 66.7 percent, the highest field goal percentage against a Division I opponent in school history, besting a 63.0 percent night at VMI on Jan. 10, 2007.

HPU held the Catamounts (3-9) to 39.3 percent (11-28) in the second half and 45.3 percent (24-53) for the game. High Point led in rebounds, 29-24, steals, 9-4, and blocks, 6-0.

“I’m pleased that we shot the ball extremely well,” HPU head coach Tubby Smith said. “Western Carolina shot the ball well in the first half, but the key was that we got off to a good start and we continued that in the second half. I was impressed with our guards Jahaad (Proctor), Brandonn (Kamga) and Curtis (Holland III) and I thought up front, Ricky (Madison) and Jordan (Whitehead) gave us solid play. When you shoot 66 percent and 73 percent in the first half, you’re going to win a lot of games.”

Juniors Brandonn Kamga and Jahaad Proctor combined for 49 points and both scored over 20 points for the third time this season. Kamga had a game-high 25 points to go along with six rebounds and two blocks, while Proctor added 24 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Senior Jordan Whitehead tallied 10 points, while fellow senior Ricky Madison had nine points and a career-high five assists. Off the bench, senior Sam Berlin had a career-high three blocks.

The Panthers made their first six shots, including three 3-pointers, to take an early 15-6 lead. HPU ended the half shooting 73.1 percent (19-26) and led at the break 44-32. WCU shot the ball at a good clip as well at 52 percent (13-25).

High Point opened the second half on a 20-3 run over the first 6:12 to break open the game to 64-35. The break featured a pair of Kamga dunks and two 3-pointers by Proctor.

Western Carolina was led by Onno Steger with 18 points and four 3-point field goals.

Up next, the Panthers have a quick turnaround and host North Carolina Wesleyan on Monday (Dec. 17). Tip-off at the Millis Center is set for 7 p.m.