UNC Asheville Opens Big South Play at High Point Today

UNC Asheville will open Big South conference play at High Point today, Wednesday, Dec. 31, with tip scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the Qubein Center. The Bulldogs enter conference action at 5 and 8, while High Point comes in at 11 and 2, setting up a game that could shape early standings and momentum for both programs.

This meeting marks the 63rd time the two programs have faced one another, with High Point holding the historical edge. The game preview released by UNC Asheville highlights recent results and statistical leaders as both teams pivot from non conference schedules to Big South play. Fans who cannot attend in person can follow via ESPN Plus and live stats, platforms that expand access to the game across the region.

For residents of Guilford County the game carries several community implications. Bringing an interstate conference matchup into the Qubein Center concentrates visitors, which can benefit local restaurants, retail outlets, and service workers who rely on event day traffic. It also spotlights women s collegiate athletics in the region, an opportunity for schools, sponsors, and local governments to support increased visibility and investment in programs that historically have received fewer resources.

Public health and safety remain considerations for events of this size. Spectators who are feeling unwell are advised to remain home and use the broadcast options. For people who face mobility challenges, transportation barriers, or economic constraints, accessible streaming provides a low barrier way to support teams while reducing the need for travel. Event organizers and venue operators play a role in ensuring entrances, seating, and restrooms meet accessibility standards so that the benefits of regional sports reach all community members equitably.

The matchup also begins a stretch of opening week conference play that will affect scheduling and travel logistics for families and staff across the Big South. For local supporters planning to attend, arriving early at the Qubein Center can ease parking and entry flows, and following live stats offers a way to stay engaged if the arena reaches capacity.

As the Bulldogs and Panthers meet for the 63rd time, the game is more than a contest on the court. It is a moment for Guilford County to support regional athletics, consider how public health practices intersect with community gatherings, and reflect on equitable access to sporting events and the opportunities they bring to local neighborhoods.