Rock Hill, S.C. – High Point scored 55 first half points on 64% shooting en route to a 97-71 victory over Furman in the 2025-26 season opener for both schools Monday night in the Field of 68 Tip-Off Marathon at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center.
 
The Panthers, coming off a 29-win season and an NCAA Tournament berth, used a 10-0 run early in the first half to break a 12-12 deadlock and take control of the game. High Point converted on 23-of-36 first half field goal attempts and forced the Paladins into 11 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes to fashion a 55-40 halftime lead.
 
In the second half, High Point connected on 5-of-11 triples and pushed its lead to as many as 32 points before claiming the 26-point victory. Rob Martin led the way for the Panthers with 22 points and four steals while Owen Aquino and Conrad Martinez scored 17 points apiece. Terry Anderson scored 12 points and Cam'Ron Fletcher posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. 
 
High Point finished at 58% from the field and made good on 9-of-20 three-point attempts. The Panthers totaled 25 points off 22 Furman turnovers and registered 52 points in the paint.
 
Senior Charles Johnston led the Paladins with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Ben Vander Wal, Alex Wilkins, and Asa Thomas each added 11 points.
 
Furman shot 43.9% from the field and converted on 14-of-19 trips to the foul line but hit on just 7-of-26 three-point tries. The Paladins managed a 41-28 edge on the glass, including 15 offensive rebounds.
 
The Paladins return to Timmons Arena for the home opener at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 7, when they welcome the defending Sun Belt Conference champion Troy Trojans to Greenville.
 
Click here to purchase tickets to 2025-26 Furman men's basketball.
 
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