Looking for its first NCAA win in program history, the High Point University Panthers took the floor against Wisconsin at the Moda Center in Portland. For the second consecutive year, HPU entered the tournament and won the Big South regular-season and conference tournament championships.
The Big South team walked away with a one-point victory. Social media watched and responded as the final gun sounded.
Social Media Erupts as High Point Upsets Wisconsin in NCAA First-Round Game, 83-82
With 7:33 remaining in the first half, the Badgers opened up a 32-23 lead. The Panthers chipped away, staying close. At halftime, Wisconsin led 41-39, expanding its lead to 70-62 with 7:08 left in the game.
From there, HPU outscored its higher-ranked opponent 21-12 down the stretch. Panthers guard Rob Martin paced his team with 23 points. Wisconsin’s Nick Boyd and John Blackwell combined to score 59.8% of the Badgers’ points. The replies flew across social media feeds.
CBS Sports journalist Jon Rothstein wrote, “SHOCKER IN PORTLAND: High Point stuns Wisconsin.”
SHOCKER IN PORTLAND: High Point stuns Wisconsin.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 19, 2026
While axioms like “any given Sunday” exist in football, the NCAA tournament evokes a different response, conjuring a different set of feelings. Seth Davis from Hoops HQ wrote, “This. Tournament.”
This. Tournament.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 19, 2026
The first day of the tournament generated early excitement. MAAC champion Siena pushed No. 1 seed Duke. A late surge allowed the Blue Devils to escape.
MARCH MADNESS: Fill In Your Bracket Now!
The same could not be said for Wisconsin. At the same time, conference foe Nebraska broke its century-plus-old postseason drought with a resounding win over Troy.
Bryan Fischer from SI wrote, “Nebraska and High Point getting their first ever NCAA tournament wins today. No. 1 overall seed Duke down double-digits at half. This is March!”
Nebraska and High Point getting their first ever NCAA tournament wins today. No. 1 overall seed Duke down double-digits at half. This is March!
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) March 19, 2026
The Big South Conference quietly lurked on the outside of the national media attention given to major powers. Yet, the best team in the conference didn’t let the moment overwhelm it.
Graduate student guard Chase Johnston started only 11 games this season. Moreover, he functioned primarily as a three-point specialist. However, his first two-point shot proved to be the game-winner. The win marks a milestone for HPU.
Garrett Armburst from Fox Sports wrote on X, “High Point DEFEATS Wisconsin. The Badgers came in as one of the hottest teams in the nation. Chase Johnston’s game winner was his FIRST two pointer of the season. This was HPU’s FIRST win over a power conference opponent. This. Is. March.”
High Point DEFEATS Wisconsin. The Badgers came in as one of the hottest teams in the nation.
Chase Johnston’s game winner was his FIRST two pointer of the season.
This was HPU’s FIRST win over a power conference opponent. This. Is. March.
pic.twitter.com/KBdO4ZQGeq
— Garrett Armbrust (@4thandsaturday) March 19, 2026
By definition, High Point’s victory counts as an upset. In that case, the proper transportation was called upon. “CINDERELLA’S CARRIAGE HAS PULLED BACK UP TO THE CASTLE AND HER NAME IS HIGH POINT,” wrote John Fanta from NBC Sports.
CINDERELLA’S CARRIAGE HAS PULLED BACK UP TO THE CASTLE AND HER NAME IS HIGH POINT.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 19, 2026
First-year coach Flynn Clayman gave his team its signature win. Simultaneously, he gave a nod to Miami of Ohio, which shares a common issue. Clayman did not hold back in the interview.
“Nobody would play like us, like Nobody would play Miami of Ohio. We know how good we are.”
These mid major coaches want ALL THE DAMN SMOKE… and Im here for it 🗣🗣 pic.twitter.com/nkUe7bLEmA
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) March 19, 2026
“Nobody would play like us, like Nobody would play Miami of Ohio. We know how good we are. These mid major coaches want ALL THE DAMN SMOKE… and Im here for it.”
High Point fans, alums, and players made the cross-country trip to Portland. Now, they will await the winner of Hawaii and Arkansas.
