
Sat Mar 21 15:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: High Point Stuns Wisconsin in NCAA Tournament Upset, Busting Brackets Nationwide
The Story:
In a stunning upset, No. 12 seed High Point University defeated No. 5 seed Wisconsin 83-82 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 20, 2026. Chase Johnston, known for his three-point shooting, scored his first two-point basket of the season with 11.7 seconds remaining, securing the victory for the Panthers. The win marks High Point’s first-ever March Madness victory and sends Wisconsin home after another disappointing tournament performance.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Wisconsin initially pulling ahead before High Point battled back. Key performances from Rob Martin (23 points, 10 assists) and Johnston (14 points) propelled the Panthers. A late block by Owen Aquino and a steal by Terry Anderson sealed the win for High Point, capping off a night of excitement and bracket-busting drama.
Key Points:
- High Point, a 10 1/2-point underdog, defeated Wisconsin 83-82.
- Chase Johnston scored his first two-point basket of the season with 11.7 seconds left.
- Rob Martin had 23 points and 10 assists for High Point.
- Wisconsin has now lost to a lower-seeded team in each of their last four NCAA Tournament appearances.
- This upset ended the hopes of many entrants with a perfect 2026 bracket.
- High Point will face No. 4 seed Arkansas in the second round.
- Flynn Clayman is High Point’s first-year coach.
Key Takeaways:
- Underdog teams can disrupt the NCAA Tournament, leading to bracket chaos.
- Clutch performances from unexpected players can determine the outcome of close games.
- Wisconsin’s repeated early tournament exits highlight ongoing issues with their performance in March Madness.
- First-year coaches can make an immediate impact on their teams.
- High Point’s victory signifies a significant milestone for the program.