NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — The High Point Panthers, one of the nation’s hottest teams, faced little resistance in extending their winning streak Wednesday night. Using a dominant first quarter as a springboard, the Panthers cruised to an 87-66 victory over the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in a Big South Conference women’s basketball game at CSU Field House.

The most important part of the game was its inception. High Point established immediate and overwhelming control, rendering the remaining three quarters a formality. The Panthers opened the contest with ruthless efficiency, racing to a 26-9 lead after the first period. That 17-point advantage, built on a blend of inside scoring and disruptive defense, provided a cushion that never fell below double digits for the remainder of the evening. Charleston Southern, struggling to find any offensive rhythm against High Point’s pressure, was never able to mount a serious challenge after the initial onslaught.

High Point improved to 19-2 overall and remained perfect in conference play, while Charleston Southern fell to 6-15.

The Panthers’ victory was a product of superior shooting and individual brilliance. High Point connected on 46.3% of its field goals and was particularly effective from beyond the arc, making 14 of 30 three-point attempts. Charleston Southern, conversely, shot just 32% from the floor and 32.3% from deep. The Buccaneers won the rebounding battle 45-38 and committed only four turnovers to High Point’s nine, but those advantages were negated by the stark disparity in shooting accuracy.

High Point guard Macy Spencer led all scorers with 20 points, adding three assists and a block in 33 minutes. Her backcourt mate, Brecken Snotherly, orchestrated the offense with 14 points and a game-high five assists. The Panthers’ balance was on full display as four other players scored in double figures: Nevaeh Zavala with 15, Dom Nesland with 13, and Anna Hager with 10 off the bench.

Charleston Southern was led by the standout effort of Tyonna Bailey, who poured in 25 points on 9-of-24 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Caelan Ellis was the only other Buccaneer in double figures, finishing with 10 points. The home team’s offense often stalled, resulting in a season-low offensive rating of 89.6 points per 100 possessions against a High Point defense that consistently forced difficult shots.

After the explosive first quarter, the Panthers maintained their comfortable lead throughout. They led 45-25 at halftime and 71-49 after three quarters, with the Buccaneers never able to slice the deficit to fewer than 18 points in the second half. Every Charleston Southern push was answered by a timely High Point basket, often from Spencer or Nesland.

The game’s statistical profile underscored High Point’s efficient night. The Panthers scored 117.3 points per 100 possessions, a mark of an elite offensive performance. While Charleston Southern managed 26 points in the paint to High Point’s 28 and scored 11 points off turnovers compared to the Panthers’ three, they could not overcome the early hole and High Point’s sustained shot-making.

The announced attendance was 345 at the 881-seat CSU Field House.

High Point will look to continue its winning ways when it hosts Presbyterian on Saturday. Charleston Southern travels to face South Carolina Upstate, also on Saturday.