By Alexis Taylor
March 20, 2025
​PROVIDENCE, R.I. – High Point University’s record-breaking season came to a crashing halt Thursday, as the Panthers fell 75-63 to Purdue in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite entering the matchup with momentum from their first Big South Tournament title, High Point struggled to find its rhythm, ultimately undone by a combination of poor possession control, defensive lapses and a significant disadvantage on the boards.
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"Clearly we're disappointed. We didn't come here to lose. We came here to compete and for stretches of the game, we did just that," said HPU coach Alan Huss. "It was a miscalculation on my part and I let our team down today. I'm disappointed with that."
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​​Purdue’s dominance on the boards proved to be a deciding factor, as the Boilermakers outrebounded High Point 45-24, including a 19-7 lead in offensive rebounds. The Panthers' inability to control the glass allowed Purdue to extend possessions and capitalize on second-chance opportunities, repeatedly stopping High Point's momentum. Important moments late in the second half saw the Panthers force missed shots on the defensive end but fail to secure rebounds, resulting in crucial Purdue baskets that kept the game out of reach.
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​​High Point trailed by just 59-56 with 7:19 left after a three-pointer from Trae Benham capped a 6-0 run, but a pair of missed free throws by HPU center Juslin Bodo Bodo opened the door for Purdue to pull away. Trey Kaufman-Renn and Braden Smith responded with back-to-back baskets followed by another back-breaking three from Smith to put Purdue up 66-56 with only 4:28 remaining. HPU never got closer than eight for the remainder of the game.
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High Point’s scoring was paced by D’Maurian Williams with 12 points, followed by Benham with 11, while Bodo Bodo pulled down six rebounds. On the other side, Purdue’s firepower proved too hot to handle, with Kaufman-Renn leading the way with 21 points and eight rebounds, and Smith adding 20 points. The Boilermakers, last year’s national championship runner-up, showcased their pace and poise in the victory.
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From the tip-off, High Point came out with intensity, as Kezza Giffa drained a three-pointer to open the scoring. Purdue responded quickly, with Smith answering back with a three of his own, and the game remained tight early on. However, High Point struggled to control the boards, allowing Purdue multiple second-chance opportunities that helped the Boilermakers pull ahead in the first half.
High Point's offense found success early, with a couple of timely baskets and a three-pointer from Giffa to tie things up at 20-20. But Purdue responded with plenty of help, including Kaufman-Renn and CJ Cox, both of whom found success in the paint, and the Boilermakers took a 37-27 lead into the half.
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Defensive rebounding was an issue for High Point, as Purdue dominated the boards, holding a 15-10 advantage on defensive rebounds and a massive 13-2 edge on offensive rebounds at the break. Huss acknowledged the challenge, and took the blame for the large differential.
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“We limited contact and probably didn't do a good enough job of emphasizing rebounding for the last week,” said Huss. “That's on me.”
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In the second half, High Point came out strong, with a dunk from Bodo Bodo assisted by Williams, followed by a quick layup from Bodo Bodo to cut Purdue's lead to 37-31. But Purdue quickly responded, with Kaufman-Renn and Smith continuing to dominate the inside and extend the Boilermakers' lead. High Point refused to back down, with Benham knocking down a three-pointer to bring the Panthers within four points at 43-39.
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Purdue's depth and connected defense started to prove too much for High Point to overcome. The Boilermakers' bench played a huge role in the second half, with Myles Colvin and Gicarri Harris making timely contributions. High Point’s inability to secure crucial defensive rebounds and a series of costly fouls hurt their chances down the stretch.
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High Point left it all on the court, fighting until the final buzzer. Despite the thrilling late surge, the Panthers couldn’t overcome their defensive struggles, and Purdue's control in the paint proved decisive.
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“We couldn't make a defensive rebound today and that really kept us out of transition,” said Huss. "When we get the ball off the backboard and play fast-break basketball and play unselfishly, we're difficult to defend."
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Although it’s not the outcome they hoped for, Huss emphasized the significance of the season.
“29 wins, making the first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament for High Point is special,” said Huss. “I don't want to dwell on one game where I didn't do a good enough job of having them ready.”
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To Williams, the impact of Coach Huss was crucial to his growth.
“He installed my confidence back in me and made sure I was mentally right,” said Williams. “He put me in the best position to show what I do and [I'm] forever grateful for that.”
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Benham also felt the same amount of pride in the season.
“Sacrificial love runs deep, and that's why this brotherhood is unlike anything I've ever been a part of,” said Benham. “The memories that I've made at High Point have been surreal and I wouldn't have changed my college career for anything.”​
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Purdue (23–11) moves on to the round of 32 on Saturday when it will face McNeese, while High Point finishes 29-6.