High Point Continues Dominating Success Against Presbyterian

 The High Point Panthers just love playing the Presbyterian Blue Hose.

The Panthers cruised to victory over the Blue Hose 81-57 on Sunday. The win improves their all-time record against the Blue Hose to 17-5. It was also the 12th time High Point had defeated Presbyterian in their last 14 matchups and their eighth straight victory over the Blue Hose at Millis Center.

“It was one of the better games we’ve played all year,” said head coach Tubby Smith. “We did a good job of starting aggressive and staying aggressive.”

The Panthers shot 50.9% from the field and had three players score in double figures, led by Ahmil Flowers who scored a career-high 20 points, shooting 7-9 from the field. The freshman played a team-high 33 minutes, making it the third straight game Flowers has played 33 or more minutes in. 

“Being in the right spots, knowing all the plays, being a great defender. It just helps me do those things even better because coach has the confidence in me,” said Flowers. “All I need to do is go out and perform.”

Flowers was complemented by another great performance by John-Michael Wright. The sophomore scored 16 points and had a career-high eight assists. Graduate student Lydell Elmore recorded his second double-double of the season, scoring 11 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Elmore has averaged 11.3 points per game since conference play began. He has scored in double figures in six of seven Big South contests.

High Point forced 22 Presbyterian turnovers which is the most turnovers the Panthers have forced in a game this season. “Because of the turnovers, you can get out in transition. And when Ahmil Flowers and Lydell(Elmore) are out in transition, they’re in the open court and that’s where they’re the best,” said coach Smith.

The Panthers set the tone towards the end of the first half. They outscored the Blue Hose 18-6 in the final 6:13 of the half. This stretch started with a Flowers three pointer to give him 18 first half points. And after two shot clock violations to start the second half, High Point took a 26 point lead, going on a 12-1 run to take a commanding 58-32 lead with 13:48 remaining. Elmore scored 10 second half points including a thunderous dunk with five minutes to play, giving High Point a 76-48 lead, their largest lead of the game.

The win ends the Panthers three-game losing streak, improving to 4-8 overall and 2-5 in Big South play. The two teams will go at it again Monday at 6 P.M.