A Matchup Marking New Beginnings
High Point University will open its 2026‑27 men’s basketball campaign on the road, traveling to Baton Rouge to meet Louisiana State University on December 18. The game marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs and arrives as both teams navigate distinct phases of development.
The Panthers arrive with momentum after a 31‑5 season that culminated in a first‑round NCAA Tournament victory over No. 5 Wisconsin. That run was guided by first‑year head coach Flynn Clayman, whose rapid ascent has put High Point on the national radar.
LSU, coming off a 15‑17 record and a 3‑15 mark in SEC play, has appointed former NC State coach Will Wade as its new head coach. Wade previously led LSU from 2017 to 2022, and his return is expected to inject a new philosophy into a program seeking to rebound from a challenging season.
Both schools will meet for the first time, creating a contrast between a rising mid‑major program and a traditional powerhouse undergoing reconstruction. The matchup promises to test the Panthers’ early‑season resolve against a Tigers squad eager to re‑establish its competitive edge under Wade’s leadership.
The game will be played at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, a venue that has witnessed many of LSU’s historic moments. For High Point, the trip represents an opportunity to gauge its progress against a program with deep basketball roots, while for LSU it serves as a early‑season barometer as the new coaching staff implements its vision.