FAIRLAWN, Va. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a decisive second-half surge, the High Point Panthers overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the Radford Highlanders 93-83 in a Big South Conference men’s basketball game Friday night at the D.N. Dedmon Center.

The Panthers, who entered as heavy favorites, trailed 48-42 at the break but outscored the Highlanders 51-35 in the second half to secure their 18th win of the season. The victory improved High Point to 18-4 overall, while Radford fell to an even 11-11.

The most critical phase of the contest came early in the second half, where High Point immediately erased Radford’s advantage with a blistering offensive display. The Panthers opened the final period with a 13-3 run, fueled by two quick three-pointers from Braden Hausen and a relentless attack from star guard Terry Anderson. This surge flipped a six-point deficit into a 55-51 lead in under four minutes, a margin High Point would not relinquish.

High Point’s defense, particularly its pressure on the perimeter and in passing lanes, was the engine of the comeback. The Panthers forced 18 Radford turnovers, converting them into 23 points, while committing only seven of their own. High Point also recorded 12 steals, with Owen Aquino and Anderson each registering three. This disruptive defense stifled the Highlanders’ rhythm and allowed the Panthers to control the tempo.

Terry Anderson led all scorers with 31 points, adding five assists, two blocks and two steals in 37 minutes of action. His performance, coming off a 22-point effort in his last outing, was central to High Point’s offensive efficiency. Hausen provided crucial outside shooting, finishing with 17 points, all in the second half, on 5-of-10 shooting from three-point range.

Radford was led by Del Jones, who scored 23 points, and Dennis Parker, who added 19 points and four assists. Lukas Walls contributed 16 points for the Highlanders. Despite shooting a respectable 50.8% from the field, Radford’s ball security issues and a significant disparity at the free-throw line proved costly. High Point attempted 33 free throws, making 25, while Radford went 13 of 18 from the line.

Statistically, the Panthers won despite being outshot from the field. High Point’s offensive rating of 128.0 on 73 possessions underscored an efficient night fueled by turnovers and free throws. The Panthers also dished out 12 assists to Radford’s five, highlighting better ball movement in the half-court.

Aquino, the 6-foot-8 forward from Madrid, Spain, filled the stat sheet with nine points, eight assists, two blocks and three steals in 38 minutes, serving as a key facilitator and defensive presence. Conrad Martinez added 11 points off the bench for High Point.

The game’s total of 176 points surpassed the pregame over/under line of 167. High Point covered the spread as a 7.5-point favorite, aligning with the national statistical projection that gave the Panthers a 76.6% chance to win.

Radford started strong, building its halftime lead behind 48.3% shooting and six first-half three-pointers. However, the Highlanders could not sustain that pace against High Point’s intensified defensive pressure after the intermission.

High Point returns to action Thursday, Jan. 29, hosting Presbyterian. Radford travels to face Charleston Southern on the same night. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch in High Point on Saturday, Feb. 7.