On a day Tubby Smith was honored for his 600th win in the pregame, fans also received an absolutely exhilarating assortment of hoops. It was truly a tale of two halves for High Point as they dropped a 24- point lead to Eastern Kentucky, in a 70-69 dog fight.
High Point, North Carolina- The Colonels used an inspirational second half comeback and a dagger from beyond the arc at the buzzer to steal a road win. After running out ahead in the first, the Panthers took an eleven point lead into the half and carried all the momentum. 
The Panthers were forced into costly turnovers in the second half only totaling 27 points and along with some lackluster defense, it cost this group a very winnable game in the end. Currently High Point sits at (3-5), on the year and they’re looking to rebound quickly.
The Standouts-
Nick Mayo (30 points/ EKU)- Mayo led all scorers in this game he really showed a nice feel from all three levels offensively. Down Low Mayo finished efficiently around the cup with both hands, he showed patience on the block and sound footwork. Mayo moves well for a big, he looked like a serious weapon in the pick N roll, Mayo really stretched the Panthers defense with his range behind the arc. Mayo opened things up for these slashers in the Colonels backcourt and the offense really flowed through him. Mayo also delivered the final dagger at the buzzer from behind the arc so seal the win.
Jomaru Brown- Brown a North Carolina native went (4-6) from the field, Brown finished second on the team with 10 points, two assists, and two rebounds, in only 12 minutes of play. Brown along with the rest of the bench outscored HPU 28-5 in this contest, Brown also nailed a deep three pointer in the latter part of the second half to cut the High Point lead to just two points.
Brown was one of the most polished scorers in the NC 2018 cycle last season, he’s an absolute bucket getter from almost anywhere on the floor. Currently Brown averages 9.4 points per game which is second on the team to this point, despite not starting a single game Brown continues to provide an immediate impact.
Brandon Kamga (27 points/HPU)- Kamga totaled a career high on the day he really had it all clicking. Kamga found his shots within the offense, he moved well off ball and was ready to shoot upon the catch. Kamga was money from mid range off the dribble, he continued to provide a spark for this team whenever the Panthers needed a bucket. Kamga gave his side the lead with seconds left in the contest, on a made free throw before falling at the buzzer on the other end.
Jahaad Proctor (24 pts/HPU)- A major reason HPU jumped out to a stern lead early in this contest, Proctor was aggressive attacking the cup from the tip, he’s a physical finisher and embraces contact. Proctor showed excellent body control through the air, he knocked down a few tough jumpers off the dribble as well. Proctor has been the most consistent scoring option for the Panthers, out of their eight games Proctor has scored 20 or more in five of them.
What’s Next- High Point will be in action on Tuesday at Valparaiso (5-3), this contest will be featured on ESPN3. Valpo is currently undefeated at home, so this will be no easy test for Coach Tubby Smith and HPU.
Eastern Kentucky (4-4), will look to carry their momentum into a home matchup with USC- Upstate (2-6), they’re set to host the Spartans on Wednesday.