HIGH POINT, North Carolina - The University of Mount Olive men's basketball team fell short to the Panthers of Division I High Point University on Thursday during their exhibition contest.

INSIDE THE SCORE
Mount Olive fell behind early as the Panthers scored the first 12 points of the contest, before LJ Johnson made a three-point jumper to stop the momentum. It didn't take long for the Panthers to find their hot hand as they went on a 19-7 run to take the 27-11 lead at the 11:21 mark. High Point remained in the lead for the remainder of the first half.

The second half saw the Panthers score the first two points of the contest. The Trojans responded quickly with a three-pointer by Trayvon Ferrell 61-27 with 19:05 remaining left in the game. High Point found their momentum as they went on a 8-0 run to take the 42 point lead 69-27 at the 16:06 mark. The Trojans were finally able to stop the run with lay-up from Javian Cannady. The game for the remainder of the half was on the side of the Panthers, as they held their 25-point lead and took home the 95-70 victory.

MOUNT OLIVE LEADERS
The Trojans were led by Ryan Archey with 10 points. Matthias Caver took home six rebounds and Calvin Washington had two blocks. 

HIGH POINT LEADERS
The Panthers were led by Alex Holt's 10 points.

KEY STAT
The Trojans mistakes certainly cost them as 26 of HPU's points came off of second chances.

COACHES COMMENTS
"We are very thankful for the opportunity to play High Point and open up there new amazing facility.  We obviously have a lot to work on and when you play a team like High Point they make you pay for every mistake.  We will continue to work together to improve every opportunity we have," said head coach Joey Higginbotham.

UP NEXT
Mount Olive will open their regular season as they take on Augusta November 12th at the Barton 45-Second Classic at 5:00PM.