High Point will Win the NCAA Tournament - Reasons Why By Colin Bish

• As the old saying goes, “Defense wins championships.” But in March Madness, you preferably need a high-powered offense. Eight of the last ten national champions ranked tenth or higher in offensive rating. The Panthers rank second only behind Duke, and above dominant squads like Auburn, Florida, Texas Tech and Houston. High Point will be a tough out for any team to slow down. 

  
  

• The bench is one of the unsung heroes of basketball. Whether you need to fill in for a slumping starter or get your high-five numbers up, bench players are there when you need them. High Point would agree; they rank 27th in bench points per game behind studs like Bobby Pettiford, Abdoulaye Thiam, Simon Hildebrandt and Trae Benham. If the scoring won’t get the opposing team, Benham’s mean mug will probably scare them off. 

  
  

• A lot of people tend to lean toward the older units of college basketball. The Panthers have a veteran starting lineup, featuring four upper classmen. The only “young guy,” sophomore center Juslin Bodo Bodo, happens to be one of the best rebounders in the country. Simply put, these five are ready for the big stage. 

  
  

• Many love to look at the numbers when it comes to the “upset” picks. But national champions always have one player who comes from out of nowhere to will the team to eternal glory. Enter Bobby Pettiford; the Kansas and East Carolina transfer is averaging a career high in points, rebounds and steals. He recently won the Big South Tournament MVP, highlighted by his 17-point performance in the final vs. Winthrop. At 6’1”, Pettiford rises above all when the Panthers need him most. 

  
  

• Teams love to turn up the ante defensively; the on-ball defense you see in March Madness is some of the fiercest at any level. But High Point treats defenders like flies; they ranked fourteenth in opponent steals and eighth in opponent steal percentage this season. They say pressure makes diamonds, and High Point has been shining through opposing defenders all season. Don’t expect the Panthers to cough up many loose balls. 

Colin Bish