The High Point Panthers (23-5, 11-2 Big South) prepare to defend their home court against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers (10-18, 6-7 Big South) this Wednesday in a pivotal conference clash. With tip-off at 7 p.m. EST and High Point favored by 16.5 points, all eyes are on standout forward Taje’ Kelly, who dropped 21 points in Charleston Southern’s narrow loss to UNC Asheville.
High Point’s dominance at home (14-1 record) stems from their efficient offense, ranking third in the Big South with 36.0 points per game in the paint. Guard Kezza Giffa (6.7 paint PPG) and center Juslin Bodo Bodo (8.5 rebounds per game) anchor a team shooting 48.9% from the field – 1.5% above Charleston Southern’s defensive average. “The Panthers’ ability to control the interior could decide this game,” notes a regional analyst.
Charleston Southern, meanwhile, averages 73.5 points but allows 78.0 per game. Guard RJ Johnson (14.5 PPG) and Kelly, averaging 23.6 points over his last 10 games, face a High Point defense holding opponents to 69.3 points. Recent trends highlight contrasting trajectories:
- Panthers: 9-1 in last 10, averaging 86.0 PPG
- Buccaneers: 5-5 in last 10, surrendering 75.6 PPG
With playoff seeding at stake, High Point aims to leverage their offensive firepower, while Charleston Southern needs Kelly to replicate his scoring surge to defy the odds.