The High Point Panthers enter the NCAA Tournament as one of the most intriguing mid-major teams in the field. After a stellar 29-5 season and a dominant 17-2 record in the Big South Conference, they have established themselves as a dangerous offensive team with the ability to compete with high-level programs. As the 13th seed in the Midwest Region, they will face a tough first-round matchup against Purdue, a Big Ten powerhouse with a strong interior presence. However, with their explosive offense, perimeter shooting, and ability to play at a fast tempo, High Point has the tools to challenge the fourth-seeded Boilermakers and potentially pull off an upset. High Point’s success this season has been largely driven by their high-powered offense, which ranks among the top 25 in the nation in points per game. The Panthers average 81.2 points per contest, fueled by an up-tempo style of play that emphasizes quick ball movement, efficient three-point shooting, and aggressive transition scoring. Their ability to spread the floor and force opposing defenses into difficult matchups has been a key reason for their dominance in the Big South, and they will look to bring that same offensive energy into their matchup against Purdue. Leading the way for High Point is senior guard Jaden House, who has been the heart and soul of this team. House is averaging 20.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 44% from the field. He is a crafty scorer who can attack the rim, knock down mid-range jumpers, and stretch the defense with his three-point shooting. Against a Purdue team that has struggled at times defending quick and shifty guards, House could be a major factor if he can get into the lane and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Alongside House, forward Zack Austin has been a key contributor for the Panthers. The 6-foot-7 junior provides versatility on both ends of the floor, averaging 16.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His ability to step outside and knock down perimeter shots makes him a tough matchup for Purdue’s frontcourt, which is more traditional and focused on interior defense. If Austin can drag Purdue’s big men out of the paint, it could open up driving lanes for House and the rest of the Panthers’ backcourt.

One of the biggest challenges for High Point in this game will be dealing with Purdue’s overwhelming size in the paint, particularly 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey. The Panthers do not have a player who can match Edey’s size, which means they will need to rely on double-teams and aggressive perimeter defense to try and disrupt Purdue’s offensive rhythm. High Point’s best bet defensively will be to pressure Purdue’s guards and force them into difficult decisions, rather than allowing them to dump the ball into Edey for easy baskets. Another key factor will be High Point’s three-point shooting. The Panthers rank in the top 50 nationally in three-point percentage, hitting 37.9% of their shots from beyond the arc. Guards Brock Williams and Abdoulaye Thiam have been lethal from deep, and if High Point can get hot from three-point range, they could make things very uncomfortable for Purdue. The Boilermakers have struggled at times defending the perimeter, particularly when playing against teams that move the ball well and take a high volume of threes. If High Point can take advantage of this weakness and knock down their open shots, they will have a legitimate chance to keep the game close and potentially pull off an upset. From a betting perspective, High Point has been a strong performer against the spread in conference play, covering in eight of their last ten games. Their ability to cover against bigger programs, however, has been less consistent, as they have struggled when facing Power Five opponents due to their size disadvantage. Still, their offensive efficiency and ability to score in bunches make them a team that can surprise bettors, particularly if they are able to control the pace and keep Purdue from dictating the game in the half-court. One area where High Point could have an edge is in forcing turnovers. The Panthers are one of the best teams in the Big South at creating steals and disrupting passing lanes, and they will likely employ a pressure-heavy defensive scheme to try and force Purdue’s guards into mistakes. If they can generate turnovers and turn them into transition opportunities, they could offset Purdue’s size advantage and force the Boilermakers to play at an uncomfortable pace. Ultimately, High Point will need to play a near-perfect game to pull off the upset. They must shoot at a high percentage from three, limit their turnovers, and find creative ways to neutralize Edey’s impact in the paint. If they can do those things, they could put themselves in a position to shock the tournament and advance to the second round. However, if they struggle with Purdue’s physicality and allow the Boilermakers to control the boards, it could be a long night for the Panthers. Either way, High Point will enter this game with nothing to lose, making them a dangerous opponent for a Purdue team that has shown vulnerability in recent weeks.