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High Point Stuns Wisconsin for Historic NCAA Tournament Win

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

High Point University earned its first NCAA tournament victory by defeating No. 5 Wisconsin 83-82 after rallying from eight-point second-half deficit and will face No. 4 Arkansas in the next round.
Chase Johnston hit the game-winning layup with 11.7 seconds left, finishing with 14 points.
Rob Martin had 23 points and 10 assists.
Wisconsin's Nick Boyd led with 27 points, but the Badgers extended their losses to lower-seeded teams.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA tournament adopted a 64-team format in 1985, significantly boosting attendance to over 1 million fans that year. This expansion transformed college basketball, allowing lower-seeded teams to challenge higher-ranked opponents, exemplified by High Point University's recent victory over No. 5 Wisconsin. Such underdog triumphs have become a hallmark of March Madness, highlighting the tournament's unpredictability and excitement.

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Story summary

High Point University earned its first NCAA tournament victory by defeating No. 5 Wisconsin 83-82 after rallying from eight-point second-half deficit and will face No. 4 Arkansas in the next round.
Chase Johnston hit the game-winning layup with 11.7 seconds left, finishing with 14 points.
Rob Martin had 23 points and 10 assists.
Wisconsin's Nick Boyd led with 27 points, but the Badgers extended their losses to lower-seeded teams.

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