Full Breakdown
High Point Panthers Achieve Historic Upset Over Wisconsin in NCAA Tournament
3/21/2026, 2:34:38 AM
Historic Victory in March Madness
In a stunning upset 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. The victory marked High Point's first-ever win in NCAA Tournament history, ending a 0-57 record against power conference teams. Chase Johnston, a 26-year-old guard, scored the game-winning layup with just 11.7 seconds remaining, a remarkable feat as it was his first two-point basket of the season.
Game Overview
The game, held at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, showcased a thrilling back-and-forth battle. High Point initially struggled, trailing 15-5 early on. However, they rallied to close the gap, entering halftime down by only two points, 41-39. The Panthers' resilience was evident as they fought back from an eight-point deficit in the final five minutes, with Johnston contributing significantly by scoring 11 of his 14 points in the second half.
Johnston's pivotal layup came after Wisconsin's Nick Boyd missed a crucial layup that could have extended their lead. High Point's Rob Martin secured the rebound and launched a fast-break pass to Johnston, who converted the layup to give the Panthers a one-point lead. Following this, High Point's defense held strong, with Owen Aquino blocking Boyd's subsequent attempt to reclaim the lead.
Key Performers
Chase Johnston finished the game with 14 points, including four three-pointers, while Rob Martin led the Panthers with 23 points and 10 assists. For Wisconsin, Boyd was the standout performer, scoring 27 points, while John Blackwell added 22 points and 10 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Wisconsin's inability to secure a win against a lower-seeded team continued a troubling trend, having lost to lower seeds in their last four NCAA appearances.
Coach's Perspective
High Point's first-year head coach, Flynn Clayman, expressed pride in his team's performance and emphasized the importance of scheduling more games against mid-major teams. "It looks pretty obvious to me that high-majors need to play mid-majors early in the season," Clayman stated. He highlighted the challenges faced by teams like High Point in securing competitive matchups throughout the season.
Johnston's Journey
Johnston's path to this moment has been unconventional. He has played for multiple schools, including Purdue Fort Wayne, Stetson, and Florida Gulf Coast, before transferring to High Point. Known primarily as a three-point shooter, Johnston had attempted only four two-pointers all season prior to this game. His unique skill set and experience culminated in this historic moment, where he not only contributed significantly to the team's success but also became a symbol of perseverance and faith, attributing his success to his beliefs.
What's Next
With this victory, High Point advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face the No. 4 seed Arkansas. The Panthers, now with a 31-4 record, aim to continue their Cinderella story in March Madness, showcasing the potential of mid-major programs on the national stage.
