Full Breakdown
High Point Panthers Achieve Historic NCAA Tournament Upset Over Wisconsin
3/21/2026, 2:51:17 AM
Historic Victory in March Madness
On March 19, 2026, the No. 12 seed High Point Panthers secured their first NCAA Tournament victory by defeating the No. 5 seed Wisconsin Badgers 83-82 in a thrilling first-round matchup. This marked a significant milestone for High Point, as it was their first win in the NCAA Tournament history, having previously lost to Purdue in the first round the prior year.
Key Moments and Players
The game was highlighted by Chase Johnston, who scored the game-winning layup with just 11.7 seconds remaining. Remarkably, this was Johnston's first two-point basket of the season, as he had primarily been known for his three-point shooting. He finished the game with 14 points, including four three-pointers. High Point guard Rob Martin also played a crucial role, contributing 23 points and 10 assists.
The Panthers displayed resilience throughout the game, overcoming an eight-point deficit in the final minutes. After Johnston's layup gave High Point the lead, Owen Aquino blocked a potential game-winning layup from Wisconsin's Nick Boyd, sealing the victory for the Panthers.
Coach's Perspective and Team Dynamics
High Point's head coach, Flynn Clayman, expressed pride in his team's performance, emphasizing the importance of mid-major schools like High Point in the NCAA landscape. Following the victory, he remarked, "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." Clayman took over the coaching position this season, succeeding Alan Huss, who left for an assistant role at Creighton.
Wisconsin's Struggles
Wisconsin's defeat extended their streak of disappointing NCAA Tournament performances, having lost to lower-seeded teams in their last four appearances. Coach Greg Gard acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating, "You get sent home when you don’t take care of the things you need to take care of." The Badgers were led by Boyd, who scored 27 points, and John Blackwell, who added 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Looking Ahead
High Point's victory sets them up for a second-round matchup against the No. 4 seed Arkansas. The Panthers, with a season record of 31-4, aim to continue their Cinderella story in the tournament. As they prepare for the next challenge, Johnston reflected on the significance of the moment, stating, "It's a feeling you can't put into words... something you dream about."
Conclusion
High Point's historic upset over Wisconsin not only marks a pivotal moment for the program but also highlights the unpredictability and excitement of March Madness. The Panthers have proven their capability on a national stage, and their journey will be closely watched as they advance in the tournament.
