The High Point University Panthers are set to take on the University of Illinois Chicago Flames in their first game of the Boardwalk Battle tournament in Daytona Beach, Florida. This exciting matchup is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at 2:30 p.m. in the Ocean Center. High Point enters the contest with a record of 4-1, while UIC comes in at 3-1 after suffering their only loss to Oregon State by a narrow margin of 76-73.
This will mark the first-ever encounter between High Point and UIC. The Flames have displayed a strong offensive front, featuring three players averaging over 10 points per game. Ahmad Henderson II leads the team with 16.8 points per game, followed by Andy Johnson with 15.0 points and Elijah Crawford contributing 13.0 points. Mekhi Lowery stands out on the boards, averaging 6.3 rebounds per game. UIC is under the guidance of coach Rob Ehsan, who is in his second season at the helm.
High Point is coming off a significant victory, having defeated the Canisius Golden Griffins 93-50, marking the largest margin of victory over a Division I opponent in the program’s history. The Panthers’ impressive win showcased their offensive efficiency, as they shot 58.1% from the field, along with a three-point shooting percentage of 40.6% and an outstanding free throw rate of 80.0%. This victory follows a remarkable 127-52 triumph over Averett, which also set a new record for the most points scored in consecutive Division I games for the Panthers.
The team has shown early promise this season, with standout performances from players such as the Big South Player of the Week, who averaged 18.0 points and 9.5 rebounds. After a significant win against Furman in the season opener, the Panthers are fueled by the momentum from their historical success last season, where they made it to March Madness and captured their first Big South Tournament title.
With a newly revamped roster featuring eight transfers, High Point aims to continue its trajectory of success. Graduate student Cam’ron Fletcher, who has experience at Kentucky, Florida State, and Xavier, brings seasoned leadership to the squad. Other notable transfers include players who have previously made an impact at other Division I institutions, contributing to the fresh identity of this year’s team.
High Point has been recognized as the number one team in the Big South Preseason Poll for the second consecutive year, emphasizing their potential as a formidable contender this season. The Panthers are eager to build on last year’s achievements and carve out their legacy in college basketball, looking to impress in their upcoming tournament games.