Panthers have advantages in depth, shooting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Coach Alan Huss has developed a High Point team that thrives on offensive versatility.

Senior Kezza Giffa (14.8 ppg), graduate transfer D’Maurian Williams (13.5 ppg) and junior Kimani Hamilton (13.4 ppg) anchor the starting lineup, but High Point’s true strength lies in its depth. The Panthers boast a rotation filled with impactful scorers, including Kansas transfer Bobby Pettiford, the Big South Tournament MVP, and sharpshooters Chase Johnston and Trae Benham.

“They trust me. They put the ball in my hands in key moments,” Pettiford said. “Just having them behind me, we can do whatever.”

High Point enters the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 25 in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency by averaging 118.5 points per 100 possessions. Gonzaga (123.6) and Utah State (120.7) are the only teams from outside the Power Four or the Big East to rank ahead of the Panthers in the 68-team field.

Juslin Bodo Bodo, a dominant defender who can disrupt opponents on both ends of the floor, gives High Point a physical presence inside, but the team’s perimeter shooting may determine its success. All seven of High Point’s primary rotation players shoot at least 33% from beyond the arc, with Williams, Pettiford and Johnston all surpassing 40%. That kind of shooting prowess can break games open, especially against a Purdue team that has struggled defensively in recent weeks.

Purdue enters the tournament having lost six of its last nine games — including a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal exit — despite its powerful offensive duo of Braden Smith (16.1 ppg, 8.7 apg) and Trey Kaufman-Renn (20.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg). However, its lack of bench depth forces heavy reliance on the starters. Opponents have shot 63% from two-point range since February, which could spell trouble against a Panthers squad that ranks among the top 10 nationally in two-point shooting efficiency during the same span.

Despite Purdue’s struggles, the Boilermakers remain dangerous due to their ability to control the tempo. Smith’s playmaking, as the nation’s leader in assists, mixed with Kaufman-Renn’s scoring ability will provide a major test for High Point’s defense, which has improved this season but still ranks outside the top 200 nationally.

“We’ve got to step it up a little bit now,” Pettiford said. “We’ve got to guard that three-point line and make it hard for those guys.”

Thursday’s matchup features a reunion between High Point’s Huss and Purdue assistant Paul Lusk, two former Creighton colleagues. Lusk, a key figure in shaping Purdue’s offense, will look to counter Huss’s fast-paced system. High Point must push the pace, nail deep shots and draw fouls to offset its defensive lapses.

“At this point, it’s not about Cinderella,” Huss said. “Once the ball goes up, it’s about trying to win a basketball game.”