High Point Shines with Stellar Victory Over Southern Illinois

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The High Point University men’s basketball squad traveled for its concluding non-conference away game of the season. Upon arriving in Carbondale, Illinois, the Panthers secured a commanding victory against the Southern Illinois Salukis, 94-81.
 
The Panthers’ overall record now stands at 12-2, as HPU established a new Division I program benchmark for non-conference victories. The previous record was set in 2023-24 during Alan Huss‘ inaugural season as head coach.

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“Winning on the road is challenging,” Head Coach Alan Huss remarked. “I am delighted that our squad managed to accomplish the task. Our selflessness, particularly in the early stages of the game, was exceptional today.”

 

Venue: Banterra Center

Final Score: High Point 94, Southern Illinois 81

Records: High Point (12-2), Southern Illinois (5-7, 0-1)

 

The High Point offense was in full form during the match, resulting in the team’s highest point total against a DI competitor this season. Collectively, the Panthers achieved an impressive shooting percentage of 57.9% from the field and 35.0% from beyond the arc. HPU experienced a less-than-normal performance at the free-throw line, finishing 21-for-32 for 65.6%. Leading the Panthers were four players scoring in double figures, with D’Maurian Williams recording a season-high 24 points. Kezza Giffa contributed 19 points, Kimani Hamilton offered 12 points, while Bobby Pettiford added 10 points.

 

By playing aggressively early on, the Panthers established a lead after starting the game with several three-pointers. Williams quickly got into a rhythm, driving to the basket on three consecutive possessions for a 14-9 advantage at 14:40.

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SIU managed to convert a three-pointer to keep the game within seven, 30-23 at the 7:54 mark. Following this, a swift 9-0 run by the Panthers widened the gap to 39-23 after securing multiple steals. Juslin Bodo Bodo intercepted a pass and sped downcourt for a powerful two-handed dunk, followed by Chase Johnston with a layup and another three-pointer.

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Trae Benham scored consecutive three-point shots from long range, allowing HPU to attain its largest lead of the contest at 45-26 with 3:51 remaining in the first half. Southern Illinois responded by narrowing the game back down to ten with a couple of free throws with 36 seconds left before halftime. Two additional free throws from Giffa ensured that High Point led, 51-37 at the break.

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The Salukis commenced the second half with vigor, narrowing the Panthers’ advantage to seven, 53-46 after five minutes of play. HPU remained committed to the strategy and elevated its lead back to over 10, extending it to a 15-point margin with a reverse layup from Josh Ibukunoluwa via a pass from Pettiford.

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Throughout the concluding 10 minutes of the game, the Panthers maintained a consistent lead of 12-16 points. Both squads entered the bonus with five minutes remaining, but the Panthers prevented the Salukis from narrowing the margin with the clock halted at the free-throw line. HPU managed to run down the clock in the end, securing a 94-81 triumph.

 

UP NEXT:

High Point will take a week’s respite before returning to the Qubein Center on December 29 to face Norfolk State at 2:00 p.m.

 

#GoHPU x #Onthe Prowl