HIGH POINT, N.C. – Host High Point University celebrated the opening of their new arena, the Quebein Center, with a 108-59 men's basketball victory over Shenandoah University Tuesday evening.
Nearly 3000 fans packed the brand new, $170 million dollar facility to see the Division I Panthers (1-0) down Shenandoah (0-2).
IN BRIEF
The first-ever contest, while a game for HPU, is considered an exhibition for the Hornets.
High Point, members of the Big South, wasted little time in taking total control of the contest. The Panthers scored the initial 10 points of the game and led 18-4 by the first media timeout.
Senior
Deondre McNeill scored Shenandoah's first points on a pair of free throws at 18:31 before
Binwi Bihai had a fastbreak jumper at 15:56.
The hosts expanded the lead to 20 points by the 15-minute mark and 30 points by 10:41. HPU used a 12-5 run to complete the first half to take a 37-point, 63-26, lead into the halftime locker room.
The second half was more of the same with High Point eventually maxing out its advantage at 55 points. Shenandoah strung together an 11-5 run over the final 3:26 to cut the margin back under 50 points.
Zach Riddle paced the visitors with 11 points with
Jaylen Williams pulling down six rebounds. SU shot 31 percent (22-of-72) from the field to 51 percent (38-of-74) for High Point.
HPU had five players score in double figures.
UP NEXT
Shenandoah returns to Division III competition 6 p.m. non-league game at the Catholic University of America on Wednesday, Nov. 17.
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