High Point Panthers: Boardwalk Battle Preview

High Point Panthers Ready for Boardwalk Battle Against UIC

The High Point University Panthers (4-1) are making waves in college basketball as they head to Daytona Beach, Florida for the Boardwalk Battle tournament. First-year head coach Flynn Clayman's squad faces a challenging matchup against UIC (3-1) on Thursday, November 20th at 2:30 PM ET at the Ocean Center. This marks the first-ever meeting between these programs in what promises to be an exciting non-conference clash.

Historic Start for the Panthers

High Point enters this game on a historic high, coming off a 93-50 victory over Canisius - the largest margin of victory over a Division I opponent in program history. This follows their 127-52 win over Averett, which set the record for most points scored in the Division I era. The Panthers are averaging over 93 points per game, showcasing their high-pressure offensive style inherited from former coach Alan Huss (now at Creighton).

Key Players to Watch

Graduate transfer Cam'Ron Fletcher (Kentucky/Florida State/Xavier) has been instrumental, earning Big South Player of the Week honors after averaging 18 points and 9.5 rebounds in the first two games. Senior guard Rob Martin leads the team with efficient scoring, dropping 17 points on 8-of-9 shooting against Canisius while adding a career-high five assists. Chase Johnston's sharpshooting (five threes vs. Canisius) adds crucial spacing to their offense.

Despite their offensive firepower, the Panthers acknowledge size limitations in the paint. With eight transfers on the roster including UConn's Youssouf Singare (6'10") and Missouri State's Vincent Brady II, Clayman has prioritized depth and versatility over traditional size.

UIC's Strengths and Weaknesses

The Flames present an interesting contrast. Led by scorer Ahmad Henderson II (16.8 ppg) and featuring strong free-throw shooting and defensive intensity, UIC struggles with rebounding and turnovers (14+ per game). Their narrow 76-73 loss to Oregon State highlighted their offensive inconsistency against quality competition.

Betting Preview and Predictions

Sportsbooks heavily favor High Point (-8.5 points, -450 moneyline), reflecting their superior talent and recent dominance. Advanced models project an 80% win probability for the Panthers with a predicted 83-73 final score. The over/under sits at 157.5 points, with analysts expecting High Point's pace to exploit UIC's defensive vulnerabilities.

"We don't see a reason why we shouldn't lay the points with High Point," noted analysts from Action Network. "The Panthers' style will create fast-break opportunities against UIC's turnover issues, and their depth will overwhelm the Flames."

Tournament Context and Season Outlook

This tournament comes during a pivotal period for High Point. Coming off their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024-25, the Panthers are ranked No. 1 in the Big South preseason poll for the second straight year. Maintaining momentum in non-conference play is crucial as they aim for another conference championship run.

The Boardwalk Battle continues High Point's tradition of scheduling challenging non-conference opponents, with this game serving as a measuring stick against a quality mid-major program. UIC's defensive style provides valuable preparation for the rigors of Big South conference play.

Where to Watch

Fans can catch all the action on BallerTV, with tip-off set for 2:30 PM EST at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. For High Point, this game represents another opportunity to build on their historic success under coach Clayman, who earned Field of 68 Mid-Major Coach of the Week honors earlier this season.

What's Next for the Panthers

Following the UIC matchup, High Point will face Stetson in the Boardwalk Battle championship game before returning home for a stretch of Big South conference play. Their ability to maintain offensive efficiency while addressing defensive concerns will determine whether they can replicate last season's historic success.

As the Panthers continue their journey through one of the most exciting periods in program history, this tournament serves as both a test and a celebration of their mid-major dominance. With a roster blending elite transfers and experienced veterans, High Point is poised to make noise on the national stage once again.