Full Breakdown
High Point Panthers Achieve Historic Upset Over Wisconsin in NCAA Tournament
3/20/2026, 1:19:08 PM
Chase Johnston's Game-Winning Moment
In a stunning turn of events during the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, the No. 12 seed High Point Panthers defeated the No. 5 seed Wisconsin Badgers 83-82, marking the first NCAA tournament victory in the program's history. The decisive moment came from Chase Johnston, who scored his first two-point basket of the season—a layup with just 11.7 seconds remaining—after previously attempting only four unsuccessful two-pointers throughout the year.
Game Overview
The game, held at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, was a back-and-forth battle. High Point initially struggled, falling behind by as many as ten points in the first half. However, they rallied to close the gap, trailing only 41-39 at halftime. The Panthers showcased their resilience, particularly in the second half, where they executed a series of crucial three-pointers, including a logo shot from Johnston that energized the team and the crowd.
With less than a minute left, High Point was down 82-81 when Johnston hit a critical three-pointer to narrow the deficit. Following a defensive stop, Rob Martin, who led the Panthers with 23 points and 10 assists, found Johnston on a fast break, leading to the game-winning layup.
Historical Significance
This victory not only signifies High Point's first win against a power conference team but also ends a 0-57 record against such teams in NCAA history. Coach Flynn Clayman emphasized the importance of this win, stating, "We played somebody now," in reference to the skepticism surrounding High Point's schedule prior to the tournament.
Player Highlights
Chase Johnston, a seventh-year senior, finished the game with 14 points, including four three-pointers. His performance was particularly noteworthy given his unusual shooting pattern this season, where he had focused almost exclusively on three-point attempts. Johnston's game-winning layup was a testament to his adaptability and determination, as he stated, "I wasn't really thinking whether it was a two or a three. I was just trying to put it in and win this game."
Rob Martin's contributions were equally vital, as he orchestrated the offense and provided critical scoring throughout the game. His ability to create opportunities for Johnston and others was pivotal in High Point's comeback.
Wisconsin's Struggles
The loss extends Wisconsin's disappointing trend in the NCAA Tournament, marking their fourth consecutive early exit against a lower-seeded team. Star guards Nick Boyd and John Blackwell combined for 49 points but were unable to secure the win in the final moments. Boyd's missed layup in the closing seconds, followed by a blocked shot from High Point's Owen Aquino, sealed the Badgers' fate.
What's Next for High Point
With this historic victory, High Point advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face the winner of the matchup between No. 4 Arkansas and No. 13 Hawaii. The Panthers, now riding a 15-game winning streak, aim to continue their Cinderella story in March Madness.
High Point's triumph serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that defines the NCAA Tournament, showcasing the potential for underdogs to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage in college basketball.
