NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by grit over grace, the High Point Panthers escaped CSU Field House with an 84-82 overtime victory over the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in a Big South Conference men’s basketball clash on Saturday.

The Panthers, who entered as heavy favorites, needed every second of the extra period to secure their fifth consecutive win and improve to 16-3 overall. Charleston Southern, which fought back from a halftime deficit and had a chance to win at the end of regulation, fell to 11-8.

The contest was a statistical paradox. Charleston Southern shot more efficiently from the field, made more 3-pointers, committed fewer fouls and posted a better offensive rating. Yet, High Point’s relentless pursuit of second chances and its ability to capitalize on mistakes proved decisive. The Panthers attempted 40 free throws to the Buccaneers’ 15 and grabbed 11 offensive rebounds, scoring 17 points off 11 Charleston Southern turnovers.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute of overtime. With High Point clinging to an 82-80 lead, Charleston Southern’s A’lahn Sumler was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 39 seconds remaining. The junior guard, who led all scorers with 19 points, calmly sank the first two free throws to tie the game but missed the potential go-ahead third attempt.

On the ensuing possession, High Point worked the clock before Rob Martin’s 3-point attempt missed. However, the Panthers’ Scotty Washington secured a vital offensive rebound, extending the possession. Following a timeout, the ball found its way to Owen Aquino. The 6-foot-8 forward from Madrid, Spain, drove and was fouled with 33 seconds left. Aquino, who finished with 14 points, six rebounds and four blocks, sank both free throws to put High Point back ahead 84-82.

Charleston Southern had two final opportunities. Out of a timeout, Sumler’s step-back 3-pointer over a defender missed with three seconds left. The Buccaneers retained possession after the ball went out of bounds off High Point, setting up one last play. Sumler again got a look from beyond the arc as time expired, but his shot was off the mark, sealing the Panthers’ victory.

The game nearly ended in regulation. Tied at 76, Charleston Southern’s Luke Williams hit a tough turnaround jumper with 22 seconds left to give the Buccaneers a two-point lead. High Point’s Martin was fouled on the other end with seven seconds remaining. He made the first free throw but missed the second, and a scramble for the rebound resulted in a held ball, with the possession arrow favoring High Point. Given a final chance with 3.4 seconds left, the Panthers inbounded to Aquino, whose driving layup at the buzzer rolled off the rim to force overtime.

Martin led High Point with 20 points, while Terry Anderson added 16 points and eight rebounds. For Charleston Southern, Williams scored 16 points and Reis Jones posted a formidable double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds, adding three blocks in a dominant interior performance.

The first half set the tone for a back-and-forth battle. High Point used an early 9-0 run to build a lead, but Charleston Southern responded with sharp 3-point shooting, connecting on 11 for the game. The Panthers took a narrow 41-40 lead into halftime.

High Point’s offense, which came in averaging over 90 points per game, was uncharacteristically inefficient, shooting just 39.1% from the field. Their saving grace was a 40-36 advantage in points in the paint and their volume of free throw attempts, despite making only 24.

The Panthers continue conference play on the road at Winthrop on Wednesday. Charleston Southern will look to rebound at home against South Carolina Upstate, also on Wednesday.

The announced attendance at the 3,000-seat CSU Field House was 780.