The High Point Panthers showcased a thrilling performance in an overtime battle against UNC Asheville, securing a 104-100 victory on a memorable Saturday night. This contest, staged in High Point, N.C., was marked by intense competition and remarkable individual performances that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Bobby Pettiford emerged as a key player for the Panthers, contributing significantly to the win with 20 points and five rebounds. His consistency on the court was a driving force behind High Point's success, complementing the efforts of his teammates. Kezza Giffa matched Pettiford's scoring output by also netting 20 points. Giffa's stats included an impressive performance from the free-throw line, where he went a perfect 7-for-7, and his ability from the floor added to the Panthers' offensive strength.
Adding to the excitement was Juslin Bodo Bodo, who contributed 19 points, shooting an efficient 8-of-11 from the field. The Panthers have shown an exceptional run in the season, acquiring their sixth consecutive victory, which places their standing at 21-5 overall and 9-2 in the Big South Conference. Their strategic play and determination were evident as they navigated through the tense moments of the game.
The overtime was initiated after an electrifying finish to the fourth quarter. Jordan Marsh of UNC Asheville hit a clutch 3-pointer with a mere 14 seconds remaining to tie the game at 86 points each, leading to an overtime decision. Despite his valiant efforts, which included 33 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and two blocks, the Panthers maintained their composure and led throughout the overtime period, thanks to Giffa's early jumper that set the tone.
Notably, Jordan Marsh was a standout for the Bulldogs, supported by Josh Banks who put up an impressive 20 points, and Toyaz Solomon who added to the effort with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks. However, despite this trio's contributions, the Bulldogs' seven-game winning streak came to an end in High Point.
As the season progresses, both teams look forward to their upcoming matchups on Wednesday. High Point is set to host Longwood, aiming to extend their winning momentum, while UNC Asheville will focus on bouncing back as they travel to face South Carolina Upstate. Fans are eager to see how these teams leverage their experiences from this tight contest in future games.
This exhilarating matchup was brought to life using data from Sportradar and technology from Data Skrive, providing a detailed analysis of the game dynamics and player performances.