After holding a lead in their game against Michigan State on Wednesday, the High Point Panthers hit the road on Friday in search of a signature performance against the Kentucky Wildcats with an early noon ET tip-off.
High Point Panthers vs. Kentucky Wildcats (-25.5, 138)
(stats as of Thursday morning)
The Panthers have a pair of stars leading the way with John Michael Wright leading the way in scoring with 20 points and 4.2 assists per game while Zach Austin is contributing 14 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game in the post.
Austin will have his hands full against the country’s leader in rebounds per game Oscar Tshiebwe, who is averaging 16 points and 15.8 rebounds per game for a Wildcats group that leads the country in rebound rate.
High Point has done their best work on the road, averaging over seven points more per possession on the road in games against Division I opponents than at home while shooting 38.4 percent from 3-point range away from home.
Though Kentucky should be able to get the straight up win, High Point has underrated stars that will shine and give the Wildcats a test. The Panthers should give bettors a "high point" to start their Friday.
Pick: High Point + 25.5