Full Breakdown
High Point Panthers Achieve Historic Upset Over Wisconsin in NCAA Tournament
3/21/2026, 10:36:06 AM
High Point's Historic Victory
On March 19, 2026, the No. 12 seed High Point Panthers stunned the No. 5 seed Wisconsin Badgers with an 83-82 victory in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. This win marks High Point's first NCAA Tournament victory in the program's history, following their initial appearance the previous year, where they lost to Purdue.
Game Overview
The game was characterized by a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Wisconsin initially established a 10-point lead early in the first half, but High Point gradually chipped away at the deficit. The Panthers, known for their scoring prowess, ultimately took control in the final minutes. Chase Johnston, who had not made a two-point basket all season, scored the game-winning layup with just 11.7 seconds remaining. High Point's Rob Martin led the team with 23 points and 10 assists, while Johnston finished with 14 points, including four crucial three-pointers.
Key Moments
High Point's comeback was fueled by a late surge, overcoming an eight-point deficit with five minutes left in the game. Johnston's pivotal layup capped a series of clutch plays, including multiple three-pointers that kept the Panthers in contention. After Johnston's basket, Wisconsin's Nick Boyd had a chance to reclaim the lead but was thwarted by a block from High Point's Owen Aquino. The Badgers' last-second attempt to score was intercepted, sealing the victory for High Point.
Official Statements & Responses
High Point's head coach, Flynn Clayman, expressed immense pride in his team's performance, stating, "We’re not just here to win one game, we’re here to get to the Sweet 16." He also criticized major college programs for avoiding matchups with mid-major teams like High Point, asserting, "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."
Criticism & Opposition
Wisconsin's coach, Greg Gard, acknowledged the disappointment of the loss, emphasizing the need for his team to take care of critical moments in the game. He remarked, "You get sent home when you don’t take care of the things you need to take care of," reflecting on the Badgers' struggles in recent tournaments, where they have faced early exits as a higher seed.
What's Next
With this victory, High Point advances to the second round of the tournament, where they will face the No. 4 seed Arkansas on March 21. The Panthers, riding a 15-game winning streak, aim to continue their Cinderella story in the NCAA Tournament.
Verbatim Quotes
- "It’s a feeling you can’t put into words." — Chase Johnston, High Point Guard
- "They played a terrific game, hit some unbelievable shots." — Greg Gard, Wisconsin Coach
- "I know how good of a team we are." — Flynn Clayman, High Point Coach
High Point's unexpected triumph not only highlights their resilience but also sets the stage for a potential deep run in the tournament, capturing the attention of college basketball fans nationwide.
