CLINTON, S.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and defensive stands, the High Point Panthers weathered a late charge from the Presbyterian Blue Hose to secure a 79-73 victory in a Big South Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at the Templeton Center.

The win improved High Point’s record to 27-4 overall and solidified its position atop the conference standings. Presbyterian fell to 14-16, unable to replicate its near-upset from a month prior when the Panthers escaped with a three-point win at home.

The most critical sequence of the contest unfolded late in the second half, transforming a tense affair into a decisive Panther advantage. With just over seven minutes remaining and High Point clinging to a 62-60 lead, the Panthers’ offense, which had sputtered at times, ignited with a sudden and devastating flurry from an unexpected source.

Reserve guard Chase Johnston, who had played only seven minutes, entered the game and immediately became the catalyst. In a span of just 27 seconds, Johnston buried consecutive three-pointers, the second coming off a steal by Terry Anderson. The burst pushed the lead to eight points and forced a stunned Presbyterian timeout. Johnston, who finished with 12 points, connected on another three-pointer less than a minute later, part of a personal 9-0 run that extended the Panther advantage to 71-62 with 6:37 to play. This explosive stretch provided the necessary cushion High Point would rely on as Presbyterian made its final push.

The game had been a story of contrasting styles from the opening tip. High Point built its early lead through perimeter shooting and defensive activity, taking a 45-35 advantage into halftime. The Panthers connected on 11 of 26 attempts from three-point range for the game, with Scotty Washington hitting three early triples to set the tone. Defensively, High Point was disruptive, accumulating nine steals and eight blocks, which led to 11 Presbyterian turnovers.

Presbyterian, conversely, attacked relentlessly inside and lived at the free-throw line. The Blue Hose attempted 31 free throws, making 27, and outrebounded High Point on the offensive glass. Triston Wilson led all scorers with 17 points for Presbyterian, frequently drawing fouls, while Carl Parrish added 16 and Jaylen Peterson contributed 15 points and three blocks.

High Point’s interior defense, anchored by Owen Aquino, was pivotal in countering that attack. Aquino, a 6-foot-8 forward from Madrid, Spain, recorded four blocks and altered numerous other shots, while also adding 12 points and key rebounds. His presence in the paint forced Presbyterian into difficult attempts and was a constant deterrent.

Despite Johnston’s heroics, Presbyterian refused to fade. The Blue Hose chipped away, capitalizing on High Point’s occasional struggles at the foul line, where the Panthers shot 14 of 23. A driving layup by Peterson brought Presbyterian within four points at 71-67 with under four minutes remaining.

But High Point’s defense stiffened in the final moments. After a flagrant foul call on Presbyterian gave the Panthers two free throws and possession, they managed the clock effectively. Rob Martin, who led High Point with 14 points and five assists, sealed the game by sinking two clutch free throws with 40 seconds left to extend the lead back to six, effectively ending the Blue Hose’s hopes.

The victory continued an impressive season for High Point, which has now won 10 of its last 11 games. The Panthers showcased their balance, with five players scoring in double figures, including Terry Anderson with 13 points and two blocks, and Washington with 11. Presbyterian’s Josh Pickett facilitated the offense with a game-high six assists to go with 10 points.

The game’s tempo and efficiency were nearly identical, with both teams posting offensive ratings just above 107 points per 100 possessions. The difference ultimately came from High Point’s ability to create extra scoring opportunities through forced turnovers and its timely three-point shooting, particularly during the game-defining run in the second half.

High Point will conclude its regular season on the road this weekend, while Presbyterian looks to regroup quickly, traveling to face Winthrop on Saturday.