Full Breakdown
High Point Panthers Upset Wisconsin in Historic March Madness Victory
3/20/2026, 1:16:28 PM
High Point's Historic Upset
On March 19, 2026, the No. 12 seed High Point Panthers achieved a monumental upset in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, defeating the No. 5 seed Wisconsin Badgers 83-82 in the opening round. This victory marked the first NCAA Tournament win in High Point's history, following their debut appearance the previous year, where they lost to Purdue.
The Game's Turning Point
The Panthers, who entered the tournament with a 30-4 record, faced a challenging start, trailing by double digits in the first half. However, they mounted a comeback, fueled by a late surge of three-pointers and a decisive layup from guard Chase Johnston with just 11 seconds remaining. Remarkably, this layup was Johnston's first two-point basket of the season, as he had previously only made three-pointers throughout the year. High Point's Rob Martin led the team with 23 points and 10 assists, while Johnston contributed 14 points, including four three-pointers.
Flynn Clayman's Call for Mid-Major Recognition
Following the game, High Point head coach Flynn Clayman delivered a passionate defense of mid-major programs, criticizing the tendency of high-major teams to avoid scheduling games against them. "It looks pretty obvious to me that high-majors need to play mid-majors early in the season," Clayman stated. He emphasized that teams like High Point and Miami (Ohio), which also performed well in the tournament, deserve recognition despite their schedules. Clayman pointed out that both teams had been unable to secure games against higher-ranked opponents, which he believes undermines their accomplishments.
Criticism of Scheduling Practices
Clayman's comments reflect a broader concern within college basketball regarding the scheduling practices of power conference teams. He noted that despite winning 22 of their last 23 games, High Point did not see a corresponding rise in their metrics, highlighting the challenges faced by mid-major programs in gaining visibility and respect. "Nobody would play us, just like they wouldn’t play Miami (Ohio)," he remarked, underscoring the systemic issues that limit opportunities for smaller schools.
Wisconsin's Disappointment
The loss was particularly painful for Wisconsin, marking their second first-round exit in three years as a No. 5 seed. The Badgers had led for much of the game, but their inability to close out the contest allowed High Point to capitalize on their mistakes. Wisconsin's Nick Boyd scored 27 points, but the team struggled in the final moments, failing to convert critical opportunities.
What's Next for High Point
With this victory, High Point advances to face the winner of the matchup between No. 4 Arkansas and No. 13 Hawaii. Clayman expressed confidence in his team's potential, stating, "We're not just here to win one game; we're here to get to the Sweet 16." The Panthers' historic win not only elevates their program but also reignites discussions about the importance of mid-major teams in the NCAA landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It looks pretty obvious to me that high-majors need to play mid-majors early in the season. Because they said we didn’t play nobody. We played somebody now… Nobody would play us. Just like they wouldn’t play Miami (Ohio).” — Flynn Clayman, Head Coach, High Point Panthers
- “I know how good of a team we are. But nobody would play us, just like they wouldn't play Miami (Ohio). But they gotta play us in this tournament.” — Flynn Clayman, Head Coach, High Point Panthers
- “I wasn’t really thinking whether it was a two or a three, I was just trying to put it in and win the game,” — Chase Johnston, Guard, High Point Panthers
This victory not only signifies a pivotal moment for High Point but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and challenge established programs.
