DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and a decisive advantage at the free-throw line, the High Point Panthers defeated the Incarnate Word Cardinals 91-80 in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at the Ocean Center.

The Panthers improved to 6-1 on the season, while the Cardinals fell to an even 3-3.

High Point’s victory was fueled by a blistering offensive performance, scoring 91 points on just 66 possessions for an offensive rating of 138.5. The Panthers were relentless in attacking the basket, attempting 31 free throws and converting 26 of them. This marked a stark contrast to Incarnate Word, which made 17 of its 22 attempts from the line.

The game’s opening moments belonged to Incarnate Word, as Davion Bailey sank a 3-pointer just 15 seconds into the contest. However, High Point quickly established its interior presence, embarking on a 10-0 run to seize control. The Panthers maintained a lead for the remainder of the game, heading into halftime with a 46-40 advantage.

High Point’s Terry Anderson was instrumental in building that first-half cushion, scoring 15 of his game-high 23 points before the break. Anderson’s efficiency was notable, as he needed only 22 minutes on the court to achieve his point total.

Incarnate Word refused to capitulate in the second half, largely on the back of a spectacular shooting display from Bailey. The junior guard from Indianapolis poured in 30 points, connecting on six 3-pointers to keep the Cardinals within striking distance. His backcourt partner, Tahj Staveskie of Sandusky, Ohio, added 19 points.

Every time the Cardinals threatened to close the gap, the Panthers had an answer. A key sequence came midway through the second half when High Point stretched its lead to 63-52, forcing an Incarnate Word timeout. The Panthers’ balanced attack proved difficult to contain, with four players scoring in double figures.

Cam’Ron Fletcher contributed 18 points for High Point, while Conrad Martinez of Granollers, Spain, orchestrated the offense with 13 points and a game-high six assists. Owen Aquino of Madrid, Spain, provided a strong interior presence with 11 points and three assists.

For Incarnate Word, Jordan Pyke of Greensboro, North Carolina, was a consistent contributor with 14 points.

Despite being outscored 45-40 in the second half, High Point’s lead never dipped below six points. The Panthers’ ability to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line, coupled with a 30-for-56 shooting performance from the floor, ultimately sealed the victory.

The game, part of a multi-team event, was played before an announced crowd of 606. High Point entered the contest as a heavy favorite according to analytics and betting lines, and its performance lived up to that billing. The combined score of 171 points surpassed the pregame over/under line of 161.5.

High Point will look to continue its strong start when it hosts Western Carolina on Nov. 29. Incarnate Word returns to action on Nov. 26 to face Texas Lutheran at home.