High Point MBB Starts 2019 with 101-60 Win over Washington College

• High Point reached the century mark for the first time this season
• The Panthers had four players in double figures and three more with nine points.
• HPU opens Big South play Saturday at Charleston Southern

HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point University men’s basketball team opened the new year with a 101-60 win over Washington College (Md.) Wednesday (Jan. 2) at the Millis Center.

The Shoremen (5-7) cut the Panther lead to eight at 51-43 with 16:07 remaining in the contest, but a 17-4 run for High Point (7-7) broke open the game. The Panthers ended up shooting 55.9 percent (33-59) after hitting 19 of 29 shots in the second half (65.5 percent). HPU held a sizeable advantage on the boards, 50-32, and had 20 assists to WC’s nine.

It was the first time the Panthers scored 100 or more points since defeating Toccoa Falls, 110-39, on Dec. 10, 2017. It was also the second time this season HPU has grabbed 50 or more rebounds. High Point recorded 51 against NC Wesleyan on Dec. 17, 2018.

“It was good to get the win in the new year,” HPU head coach Tubby Smith said. “We cut back on turnovers, and that was the key in the second half after we turned the ball over nine times in the first half. We also finished around the rim in the second half after we allowed too many layups and missed too many layups in the first half. These are the things we addressed at halftime.”

Junior Brandon Kamga led all scorers with 18 points, while junior Jahaad Proctor added 13. Senior Ricky Madison contributed 11 points, while redshirt freshman Caden Sanchez was 4-4 from the field with 10 points.

Senior Jordan Whitehead nearly recorded a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds, while junior Cliff Thomas Jr., making his first appearance of the season, scored nine points and grabbed seven rebounds in 15 minutes of action. Freshman Curtis Holland III added nine points, including three dunks.

Every player that played recorded a rebound for the Panthers, the first time since at Valparaiso on Dec. 4, 2018.

In the first half, the Panthers shot 46.7 percent (14-30) and opened up a 42-26 lead, but the Shoremen scored the last six points to bring HPU’s halftime lead to 42-32.

Washington College was led by Tray Wright, who scored 13 points.

Up next, the Panthers open Big South play at Charleston Southern on Saturday (Jan. 5). Tip-off at the Buc Dome is set for 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.