AVONDALE, La. (Interstat) — Macy Spencer scored 31 points to lead the High Point Panthers to a decisive 77-62 victory over the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns in a non-conference women’s basketball game Friday afternoon at the Alario Center.

The Panthers, who never trailed, improved to 6-1 on the season, while the Ragin’ Cajuns remained winless at 0-6.

High Point established control from the opening tip, erupting for 26 points in the first quarter. Spencer, a 5-foot-8 guard from Katy, Texas, was the catalyst, hitting four of her team’s six first-quarter three-pointers. Her hot shooting stretched the Louisiana-Lafayette defense and opened driving lanes, helping the Panthers build a 26-18 lead after one period.

The Panthers’ offensive efficiency was a key factor, as they scored 77 points on 76 possessions for an offensive rating of 100.9. Louisiana-Lafayette, by contrast, managed just 62 points on 74 possessions, an offensive rating of 84.1.

High Point’s shooting from beyond the arc proved to be the most significant statistical disparity. The Panthers connected on 14 of 31 three-point attempts, a 45.2 percent clip. The Ragin’ Cajuns struggled immensely from deep, making just 3 of 12.

After taking an eight-point lead into the second quarter, High Point extended its advantage by holding Louisiana-Lafayette to just 12 points in the period. The Panthers led 43-30 at halftime.

Louisiana-Lafayette attempted to mount a challenge in the third quarter, matching High Point’s output with 16 points each, but could not significantly cut into the deficit. The Panthers’ lead fluctuated between 11 and 15 points throughout the second half, and they closed out the game with a 16-point fourth quarter to secure the 15-point win.

Spencer’s game-high 31 points came on 10-of-22 shooting, including 7-of-16 from three-point range. She added five rebounds and four assists in 34 minutes. She was supported by Aaliyah Collins, who dished out eight assists to go with nine points and four rebounds. Brecken Snotherly contributed eight points and eight rebounds off the bench.

Despite the loss, Louisiana-Lafayette had several solid individual performances. Mikaylah Manley led the Ragin’ Cajuns with 17 points and five rebounds. Lily Ba, a 6-3 post player from Overland Park, Kansas, recorded a near double-double with 13 points and eight rebounds. Bianca Silva of Florianopolis, Brazil, facilitated the offense with seven assists, while Imani Daniel of Gramercy, Louisiana, added 11 points and seven rebounds.

High Point won despite committing 18 turnovers, which Louisiana-Lafayette converted into 20 points. The Ragin’ Cajuns also won the battle on the offensive glass, grabbing 12 rebounds to High Point’s seven. However, the Panthers’ stifling three-point defense and efficient scoring ultimately proved too much to overcome.

The game was played in front of an announced attendance of 196.

The Panthers will look to continue their strong start Saturday against the College of Charleston, again at the Alario Center as part of a multi-team event. Louisiana-Lafayette will also play at home Saturday, facing Fresno State.