5 Reasons Why The High Point Vs. UNCG Triad Showdown Is The Most Underrated Rivalry In College Hoops
The rivalry between the High Point Panthers and the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) Spartans—known locally as the Triad Showdown—is one of college basketball’s most intense, yet often overlooked, local battles. As of December 25, 2025, the rivalry remains fresh in the minds of fans following a dramatic 2024 clash that saw the Spartans secure a hard-fought victory. This article dives deep into the history, the latest results, and the key figures defining this fierce North Carolina contest, providing a unique look at the two programs separated by just 17 miles.
The geographic proximity and the consistent competitiveness of both programs ensure that every matchup, regardless of the sport, is a must-watch event. The latest men's basketball game on December 3, 2024, was a perfect example of the rivalry's intensity, setting the stage for future clashes in the 2025-2026 season.
The Latest Chapter in the Triad Showdown: UNCG's Gritty 2024 Victory
The most recent men's basketball meeting between the High Point Panthers and the UNCG Spartans took place on December 3, 2024, at the historic Fleming Gymnasium in Greensboro, North Carolina. The game was a classic, down-to-the-wire battle that lived up to the "Triad Showdown" moniker.
The Spartans ultimately prevailed with a tight 72-68 victory, snapping a previous High Point win streak in the series. This victory was a significant morale boost for UNCG, which competes in the Southern Conference (SoCon), against their Big South Conference rival, High Point.
Key Player and Coaching Entities in the 2024 Matchup
The 2024 contest was defined by stellar individual performances and the strategic battle between the two head coaches. The most impactful player on the court was UNCG's Kenyon Giles, who delivered a game-high 25 points, proving to be the difference-maker in the Spartans' narrow victory.
- UNCG Head Coach Mike Jones: Coach Jones, in his fourth year leading the Spartans, continues to build a formidable program, steering UNCG to a critical home win against their local rival. His coaching has been recognized nationally, having been named a Ben Jobe National Coach of the Year finalist in 2023-24.
- High Point Head Coach Alan Huss: Coach Huss, in his second season with the Panthers, has quickly transformed the team into a competitive force in the Big South. His squad showed resilience, but ultimately fell short in the second half of the 2024 game.
- Key Venues: While the 2024 game was played at UNCG's Fleming Gymnasium, High Point's home games are hosted at the state-of-the-art Qubein Center, a modern arena that adds a new level of prestige to the Panthers' program.
The game's box score revealed a tale of two halves, with High Point holding a slight lead at halftime before UNCG's superior second-half performance secured the win.
A Deep Dive into the High Point vs. UNCG Head-to-Head History
The historical rivalry between High Point and UNCG is marked by streaks and home-court advantage, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. While the overall head-to-head record is often cited differently depending on the start date, the modern era of the rivalry (since 2002) offers a clear picture of the dynamic.
The Modern Men's Basketball Record (Since 2002)
Since the 2002-2003 season, the series has been a tightly contested affair, though one team has enjoyed a significant advantage in recent memory:
- UNCG Wins: 7
- High Point Wins: 2
- Longest UNCG Winning Streak: The Spartans have held a four-game winning streak against the Panthers between 2014 and 2023.
- Home Court Dominance: High Point has maintained a perfect 5-0 record at home against UNCG since 2002, a remarkable statistic that highlights the difficulty of winning at the Qubein Center (and its predecessors) for the Spartans. Conversely, High Point’s away record in Greensboro is 0-5 in the same period.
This stark contrast between home and away records is a key component of the Triad Showdown's identity. The ability to defend home turf has become a point of pride, and a major factor in the intense atmosphere surrounding each game.
Beyond the Hardwood: The Multi-Sport Triad Rivalry
The competitive spirit between the High Point Panthers and the UNCG Spartans is not limited to men's basketball; it spills over into multiple sports, solidifying the rivalry's status as a true university-wide showdown. This multi-sport competition enhances the topical authority of the rivalry, making it a focal point for the entire Guilford County sports scene.
Women's Basketball and Soccer Clashes
The women's basketball matchup is another highly anticipated event. The historical record in women's basketball is also close, with UNCG holding a slight edge over High Point.
- Women’s Basketball History: UNCG leads the all-time series 8-6, with their longest win streak being three games. The next potential matchup is anticipated for the 2025-2026 season.
- Men's Soccer Battles: The men's soccer programs also share a competitive history. For instance, the 2025 UNCG Men's Soccer schedule includes a highly anticipated match against the High Point Panthers on October 8, 2025, in Greensboro.
- Baseball Rivalry: The baseball diamond also hosts the Triad Showdown, with a game scheduled for March 11, 2025, where the Panthers will face the Spartans.
The consistent scheduling across different sports—basketball, soccer, and baseball—ensures that the rivalry remains a year-round talking point for students, alumni, and local sports fans in the Triad area. The conferences involved, the Big South (High Point) and the Southern Conference (UNCG), often use these non-conference games as a benchmark for regional dominance and recruiting bragging rights.
The Future of the High Point vs. UNCG Showdown
With the 2024 men's basketball game setting a high bar for intensity, the future of the High Point vs. UNCG rivalry looks incredibly bright. The coaching stability under Mike Jones and the ambitious direction of the High Point program under Alan Huss suggest that these contests will only become more competitive.
Fans are already looking ahead to the 2025-2026 season, anticipating the next men's basketball clash. Given High Point's perfect home record since 2002, the next time the Spartans travel to the Qubein Center will be a high-stakes affair, with UNCG aiming to break the Panthers' dominant home streak.
The Triad Showdown is more than just a game; it is a cultural event in the heart of North Carolina, fueled by geographical proximity, conference pride, and the rich history of two competitive NCAA Division I programs. Whether on the court, the pitch, or the diamond, the Panthers and the Spartans will continue to deliver must-see action for years to come.
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