HIGH POINT, N.C. (Interstat) — The High Point Panthers, fueled by a balanced offensive attack and a dominant second-half performance, remained undefeated on the young season by fending off a persistent Wofford Terriers squad 81 to 73 in a non-conference women’s basketball matchup Saturday afternoon at a boisterous Qubein Arena.

A crowd of 4,156 witnessed the Panthers improve to 2 wins and 0 losses, while the Terriers evened their record at 1 win and 1 loss. The outcome aligned with statistical projections, as High Point entered the contest with a 66.90 percent probability of victory according to Interstat’s ELO system.

The game was a tale of contrasting rhythms, with Wofford seizing early control before High Point methodically grinded its way back into the contest and ultimately pulled away in the final quarter.

Wofford exploded out of the gate, dictating the pace and scoring at will in the opening period. The Terriers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, putting up 25 points in the first quarter alone. Their aggressive play built a significant early cushion, as they limited High Point to just 15 points in the same frame, establishing a double-digit lead that silenced much of the home crowd.

The second quarter saw the Panthers begin to find their footing. While the Terriers’ offense cooled considerably, adding only 14 points, High Point started to chip away at the deficit. The Panthers put together a 20-point quarter of their own, closing the gap and applying pressure to the previously comfortable Wofford squad. By the time the teams headed to the locker rooms for halftime, the Terriers’ once-formidable lead had been significantly trimmed, setting the stage for a tense second half.

The momentum fully shifted in the third quarter, as High Point’s adjustments and depth began to overwhelm the visitors. The Panthers’ defense tightened, holding Wofford to a meager 13 points in the period. Simultaneously, the High Point offense found a new gear, racking up 22 points to not only erase the remaining deficit but also seize the lead. The Terriers, who had looked so commanding in the first quarter, suddenly found themselves playing from behind as the Panthers took control of the game’s tempo and flow.

Any hopes of a Wofford comeback were extinguished in the final period. High Point continued its relentless offensive pressure, posting a game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter. The Terriers, to their credit, did not go quietly, rallying for 21 points of their own in a desperate attempt to claw back into the game. However, the Panthers’ lead proved insurmountable. High Point executed efficiently down the stretch, answering every Wofford basket and securing the eight-point victory.

The Panthers’ win was a testament to their roster depth and balanced scoring. Key performances were spread throughout the lineup, with contributions from Nevaeh Zavala, a 6-foot freshman from Plano, Texas; Macy Spencer, a 5-8 guard from Katy, Texas; and Brecken Snotherly, a 5-10 guard from Franklinville, North Carolina. The backcourt was further bolstered by Chana Paxixe of Beira, Mozambique, and Dom Nesland of Phoenix, Arizona. The frontcourt saw impactful minutes from Anna Hager of Norrbotten, Sweden, while the guard rotation was rounded out by Lexi Fleming of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Aaliyah Collins of Snohomish, Washington. This collective effort overwhelmed the Terriers over the full forty minutes.

For Wofford, the loss stung after such a promising start. The Terriers were led by Toni Warren, a 5-11 guard from Canton, Georgia, who battled throughout the contest. Inside, Mia Flor, a 6-2 presence from Seattle, Washington, provided a target for the Wofford offense. Despite their efforts, the team could not sustain its explosive first-quarter performance against High Point’s sustained pressure.

The game served as a early-season test for both programs. Wofford entered the contest riding high after a decisive 126 to 65 victory over Converse in its season opener on Monday. High Point, meanwhile, was also coming off a commanding opening win, having defeated Johnson C. Smith 84 to 26 on the same day. The Panthers passed their first real test of the season, demonstrating the resilience required to overcome a slow start against a determined opponent.

Looking ahead, Wofford will aim to rebound quickly as it returns home to face Georgia State on Tuesday, November 11. The Terriers then embark on a challenging stretch with road games at Appalachian State on November 16, Charlotte on November 22, and UNC Asheville on November 25.

High Point, now riding the confidence of a 2-0 start, will look to continue its winning ways when it hosts Merrimack on Wednesday, November 12. The Panthers’ schedule intensifies with a home game against East Carolina on November 16, followed by a contest against Vermont on November 19, and a significant road test at Houston on November 23.

The victory at Qubein Arena provides a solid foundation for High Point as it navigates the non-conference slate, while Wofford will look to learn from the contest’s ebbs and flows as it prepares for its upcoming opponents.