High Point Stuns Wisconsin as Johnston’s Unlikely Game-Winner Sparks Historic Upset

The 2026 NCAA Tournament delivered its first major surprise of the opening round as High Point defeated Wisconsin 83-82 in a tightly contested matchup. The No. 12 seed Panthers outlasted the No. 5 seed Badgers in a game that remained competitive throughout, ultimately coming down to a single possession in the closing moments.

The decisive play came from Chase Johnston, who converted a rare two-point basket late in the game to give High Point the lead. It marked his only successful two-point field goal of the season, adding an unusual statistical footnote to an already dramatic finish.

High Point’s victory represents a significant milestone for the program, not only because of the upset over a Power Five opponent but also due to its historical context. Prior to this game, the Panthers had never defeated a power conference team, entering the matchup with an 0-57 record in such contests.

The win propels High Point into the round of 32, extending its tournament run and setting up a matchup against the winner of the game between No. 4 Arkansas and No. 13 Hawaii. For a program that entered the tournament as an underdog, the result marks a defining moment in its postseason history.

1. Johnston’s Unlikely Game-Winning Moment

Johnston’s game-winning basket stood out not only for its timing but also for its rarity. Throughout the season, he had attempted just four shots inside the arc and had not converted any of them prior to the tournament game. His scoring profile entering the contest was heavily weighted toward perimeter shooting, with all of his made field goals coming from three-point range. That trend continued during the game itself until the final sequence, where he successfully converted inside the arc for the first time in the season. Before the decisive basket, Johnston had already contributed offensively by making four three-pointers, helping keep High Point within striking distance. His ability to stretch the floor played a key role in the team’s offensive spacing throughout the game. He finished the contest with 14 points in 22 minutes off the bench, providing a valuable scoring boost at critical moments. While his game-winner will likely define the narrative, his overall contribution was instrumental in keeping High Point competitive against a higher-seeded opponent.

2. Historic Win for High Point Program

Beyond the individual heroics, the victory carries significant historical weight for High Point’s basketball program. The Panthers entered the NCAA Tournament without a prior win against a power conference opponent, making Thursday’s result a breakthrough achievement. The program’s 0-57 record against such opponents underscored the magnitude of the upset. By defeating Wisconsin, High Point not only advanced in the tournament but also established a new benchmark for success on a national stage. The game itself reflected the competitiveness expected in March Madness, with both teams exchanging leads and maintaining pressure through the final minutes. High Point’s ability to execute in key moments ultimately separated the two sides. As a No. 12 seed, High Point’s victory aligns with the tournament’s tradition of early-round upsets, where lower-seeded teams frequently challenge established programs. The win reinforces the unpredictability that has long defined the NCAA Tournament.

3. Coaching Leadership and Season Context

The success of High Point this season is closely tied to head coach Flynn Clayman, who is in his first year leading the program. Clayman’s promotion followed his previous role as an assistant, where he helped build continuity within the team’s system. Clayman’s tenure began after Alan Huss departed for Creighton, and he quickly established his leadership with a strong regular season performance. High Point finished the year with a 31-4 overall record and a 15-1 mark in Big South Conference play. The Panthers’ dominance in conference competition carried into the postseason, where they secured the conference tournament title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. That momentum helped position the team for its successful opening-round performance. Clayman’s prior head coaching experience at Southern Utah in the 2022–23 season provided additional preparation for leading a program at the Division I level. His ability to guide High Point through a historic season and into the round of 32 highlights both the team’s cohesion and its adaptability in high-pressure situations.