3-Pointers Can Push Panthers Toward Top

Panthers are currently third in Big South Conference in 3-point percentage

By: Megan Hovey

HIGH POINT, N.C.-Skyler Curran and the rest of the High Point University women’s basketball team seem to be leaning on what they’re often known for as they head toward the end of the season: 3-pointers.

The Panthers’ (13-12, 11-4 Big South) 63-47 win over Presbyterian College (11-15, 7-8 Big South) on Wednesday was highlighted by a slight nudge in 3-pointers made (6-for-22) compared to the Blue Hose’s 5-for-19.

HPU is currently third in the Big South Conference in team 3-point percentage at .325. Only Gardner-Webb University (.331) and Presbyterian (.340) are higher. Last season, the Blue Hose were fifth in the conference in team 3-point percentage (.294). The Panthers were eighth at .286 (one could argue that Curran’s absence due to a torn ACL during the home opener cost the team a higher placement).

At present, the Panthers are first in the Big South in 3-pointers made with an average of 7.9 per game.

At first glance, these placements may seem contradictory, considering that out of the team’s last 11 games, only four had the Panthers above their opponent in terms of 3-point percentage. But HPU attempted more 3-pointers in nine out of those 11 games, also winning nine of those 11.

Panthers head coach Chelsea Banbury recognized that 3-pointers are valuable to the team’s game plan during a press conference after HPU’s 70-62 win over Radford University on Jan. 21.

“We like to play off of the 3-point line,” she said. “When you shoot it well, usually it does spread some teams out and then it tends to open up things at the basket… That’s what we work on in practice… We understand that when you’re able to knock down the three, the basket is going to open up…”

In the Big South, Curran is second in 3-pointers made per game (averaging 2.3). Only Lauren Bevis of Gardner-Webb is higher (averaging 2.9 made per game).

Curran tabbed her second double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds on Wednesday.

For the Panthers, Curran is first in points per game (14.8), field goals made (5.1), 3-pointers made (2.3), free throws made (2.0) and rebounds per game (6.0).

Despite going 1-for-6 in 3-pointers against the Blue Hose, Curran says that her focus is on the Big South Tournament.

“I mean, I took some bad shots tonight, but I think that comes with the flow of the game,” she said. “I’m feeling really good with the tournament coming up. I think we’re playing some of the best basketball that we’ve played this year, and it’s exciting to be doing that three games away from the tournament.”

Moral of the story: when HPU hits, they hit. Even if they don’t necessarily “hit” every single time, they’re choosing to go “high risk, high reward.” It’s proven time and time again that it works for the Panthers. And what’s wrong with sticking to what works?