Site: High Point, NC (Qubein Center)
Score: High Point 65, Winthrop 56
Records: High Point (8-11, 2-3), Winthrop (12-7) (5-1)
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point University men’s basketball team handed the Winthrop Eagles their first conference loss of the season by a score of 65-56 in the Qubein Center on Monday night (Jan. 24). Zack Austin led the way for the Panthers with 17 points on the night while Bryant Randleman finished with 14 points on the night.
G.G Smith: “Our guys really came out hard. We had a tough game at Hampton. Our guys were hurt after that. I think they really stepped up today and gave a great defensive effort, especially in the second half. I thought Bryson(Childress) came in and really did a good job defensively. Obviously, he is known for his shooting, but tonight he did a great job defensively and really dug down to guard some of their guys really well.”
Panther Particulars
Austin got the Panthers on the board first in the opening minute of play with a jumper.
John-Michael Wright brought the Panthers back within three after knocking down his first three pointer of the night to bring the score 15-12.
Wright struck again as he is fouled on his converted three-point attempt. He adds a fourth point to the play on the free throw to give the Panthers their first lead of the night with just under five minutes left in the first half.
HPU entered halftime down by three with a score of 29-26. Wright leads the way in scoring for the Panthers with nine points in the first half. Austin finished the half with six points.
The Panthers started the second half off strong with a 11-2 run right out of the gates, five of those points coming from Austin, to regain the lead 37-33.
Wright connected with Alex Holt in transition to extend the Panther lead to four with 15 minutes left to play.
Bryson Childress kept the 9-0 Panther run going as he hit his first three pointer of the night to put HPU up 46-35.
Austin hit back-to-back buckets for the Panthers, including his second three pointer and second dunk of the night.
Childress (5’8, 150 lbs) stood strong on defense and took a charge against DJ Burns (6’9, 275 lbs).
Childress on taking the charge: I think Coach Smith would be proud, I finally did it. He has gotten on me for some of the charges I have tried to take but haven’t committed. With my size I try to get into a position to make plays and prove to people that my size doesn’t matter. I love to make those plays and prove people wrong. I try to be fearless in there and take the charge.
Jaden House slammed it home to put the Panthers up 64-56 with 30 seconds remaining.
HPU shot 56% from the field in the second half, outsourcing the Eagles 34-20. The Panthers finished the night with 12 steals.
UP NEXT: HPU continues their homestand with a quick turnaround as they host Radford on Wednesday night in the Qubein Center. Tipoff is set for 7 pm.