#12 High Point University clutches up in a tight game against #5 Wisconsin to advance in the first round of the Men’s NCAA Tournament.
The men’s basketball team at High Point University made history this past week after achieving its first win in the NCAA Tournament in program history. They matched up against Wisconsin on March 19, 2026 and advanced to the next round after beating them 83-82.
The shot that sealed the game would come from Chase Johston, after scoring a breakaway layup in the final seconds of regulation. Johnston recorded an interesting stat with that shot being his first recorded two-pointer of the entire season.
Throughout the game, HPU trailed for its majority only going up once in the first half staying within a 10 point differential. It was shaping out to be a clean sweep for the Badgers. HPU refused to falter, heating up in the second half eventually tying the game at 78 with 2 minutes left in regulation.
Coming down to the wire, the Panthers were behind a point with the ball in their possession and one more chance to win the game. After being unable to get a good shot off, HPU made a last ditch defensive stand and secured the rebound down on the Badger’s end with less than 15 seconds in regulation.
After consecutive appearances, this marks the first NCAA Tournament win in program history and the first Big South Conference team to advance since 2007.
Though the Panthers were expected to leave everything on the floor, some were shocked to see them upset Wisconsin. Freshman NC A&T Student, Jason Webber didn’t know that HPU had made it into the tournament until he saw the matchup for the game.
“I saw they had won their conference, then I saw they were in the tournament and I was kinda shocked,” Webber said. “They been hooping though.”
Throughout the season, HPU was the favored team across the board and entered as underdogs in the tournament. Some think the perception they got gave them a competitive edge.
“Winsconsin probably thought it was going to be an easy win, but High Point came to play,” said junior NC A&T student Chance Simpson. “High Point played like they had nothing to lose, and it showed.”
The Panthers would go on to play against #4 Arkansas on March 21, 2026 but fell short 94-88. Despite the loss, people in the community were still pleased with the overall performance of the team.
“It would have been cool to see them go all the way to the Championship game”, Simpson said. “The games were close and they played really well, they will only get better next year.”
Others believe that the recognition of local talent on a national stage can grant opportunities for other local colleges and universities.
I feel like seeing it happen and it’s so close to you helps you realize it’s possible,” said Webber. “We as Aggies can have a run as well.”
Having their historic run cut short, High Point University returned home after a valiant effort and letting their presence be known in the NCAA Tournament.
