Winthrop falls to High Point 84-62 despite strong efforts

 HIGH POINT, N.C.– It was a night full of missed opportunities for Winthrop as the Eagles fell 84-62 to High Point University in a crucial Big South Conference matchup. After a competitive second half, Winthrop couldn’t maintain their momentum as High Point’s explosive offensive surge and stifling defense proved too much to overcome. Despite a solid performance from Kelton Talford and a strong start, Winthrop struggled to capitalize on their opportunities and ultimately fell short.

Winthrop came out of the gate strong, establishing an early rhythm with an aggressive offensive approach. Talford, who had been a consistent force in the paint for the Eagles, provided much-needed scoring early. His tough inside play and second-chance opportunities helped Winthrop stay within striking distance. Alongside him, Isaiah Wilson was a key contributor with timely steals and assists, setting up teammates for quick baskets. But the Eagles’ early success was not enough to hold off the Panthers’ balanced attack.

Despite High Point’s early 3-point shooting from Abdoulaye Thiam, Winthrop battled back. Talford’s persistence on the boards and solid scoring helped keep the game within reach, but the Eagles were unable to build any sustained momentum. At the 10:00 mark in the first half, Bryce Baker’s driving layup briefly inched Winthrop closer, but High Point responded with quick strikes from Simon Hildebrandt and Thiam, who connected on a 3-pointer to close out the half with the Panthers up 47-25.

Winthrop’s defense was a concern throughout the game, and it became more glaring as the second half unfolded. The Eagles struggled to contain High Point’s explosive offense, particularly their fast break and ball movement. High Point quickly stretched their lead early in the second half to 20 points, leaving Winthrop scrambling to regain control. The Panthers, led by Kezza Giffa and Juslin Bodo Bodo, made every possession difficult for Winthrop. Giffa’s defensive plays and Bodo Bodo’s rebounding dominance helped High Point maintain a firm grip on the game.

Winthrop’s defense, despite some individual flashes of brilliance from Wilson and Talford, could not stop High Point’s rapid offensive execution. The Eagles found themselves caught in mismatches and unable to contain High Point’s explosive transition game. The Panthers’ shooting from the perimeter, including crucial 3-pointers from Giffa and Thiam, stifled any chances for a Winthrop comeback. The Eagles also struggled to finish at the rim, with multiple layups contested or missed altogether. Their inability to convert on key possessions prevented them from mounting a serious challenge in the second half.

Winthrop did find brief moments of success, with K.J. Doucet and Kasen Harrison providing some scoring sparks in the final stretch. However, the Eagles’ chances were all but gone by the time they cut the lead to 76-59. High Point, sensing the game slipping away from Winthrop, responded with a series of clutch plays to seal the win. A dunk from Bodo Bodo at the 7:00 mark stretched the Panthers’ lead further, and they continued to control the tempo until the final buzzer.

Harrison finished as Winthrop’s leading scorer with 14 points and two rebounds, providing some much-needed offensive presence in the paint. Wilson contributed nine points and four assists, while Nick Johnson and Talford each scored in double digits, but their efforts were not enough to overcome High Point’s relentless play. Winthrop shot just 29.2% from the field and made only seven of their 23 three-point attempts, struggling to find the consistency needed to keep pace with the Panthers. Their inability to finish at the rim, combined with defensive lapses, allowed High Point to capitalize and extend their lead throughout the second half.

The Eagles will have to regroup quickly as they face an uphill battle in the conference standings. Next up, Winthrop faces Presbyterian at home on Wednesday, where they will look to bounce back and regain their rhythm.