High Point Upsets Wisconsin in First Round of NCAA Tournament
PORTLAND, Ore. — In a stunning upset, the No. 12 seed High Point Panthers defeated the No. 5 seed Wisconsin Badgers 83-82 in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Moda Center. This marks the first NCAA Tournament win in program history for High Point and only the second tournament appearance.
A Historic Victory for the Panthers
High Point becomes just the second team in Big South Conference history to advance to the round of 32. The last Big South team to do so was Winthrop in 2007, when they defeated Notre Dame.1
“It’s tough to even put into words what just happened,” said High Point Head Coach Flynn Clayman.1 “I couldn’t be more proud of this team.”
Game Recap: A Comeback Fueled by Johnston
High Point trailed for most of the game, but a late surge, spearheaded by Chase Johnston, propelled them to victory. Down by eight points with seven minutes remaining, Johnston ignited the Panthers’ comeback with a three-pointer from beyond the arc.1
Rob Martin played a key role in setting up Johnston and Terry Anderson for crucial layups. Wisconsin attempted to regain control, extending their lead to four points with under four minutes to play, but Johnston responded with another three-pointer. Cam’Ron Fletcher then tied the game with a three-pointer of his own.1
After exchanging layups, Wisconsin briefly regained a four-point lead with a minute left. Johnston answered with a three-pointer, bringing High Point within one. Following a successful challenge by High Point, they regained possession with 14 seconds remaining. Johnston then sealed the victory with a layup – his first two-point basket of the season – giving High Point an 83-82 lead.1
The Panthers secured the win with two defensive stops, including a block by Owen Aquino, as the final horn sounded.1
Key Performers
Rob Martin led High Point with 23 points, while Terry Anderson added 15. Chase Johnston and Cam’Ron Fletcher each contributed 14 points, and Owen Aquino scored 11.1
Up Next
High Point will face No. 4 seed Arkansas in the next round on Saturday, March 21, at the Moda Center. The game time is yet to be determined.1