High Point Wins First NCAA Tournament Game in History
High Point University pulled off the first major upset of March Madness, beating Wisconsin 83-82 on a buzzer-beating layup. For the small North Carolina school, it marks their first tournament victory ever.
A basketball program in just their second-ever NCAA tournament appearance just made history with one unforgettable play.
High Point University upset fifth-seeded Wisconsin 83-82 on Tuesday night at Portland's Moda Center, capturing the program's first tournament win in the most dramatic way possible. With 11 seconds left, guard Chase Johnston sprinted downcourt and scored the game-winning layup after Wisconsin missed a shot that would have sealed their victory.
The wild finish started when Wisconsin's Nick Boyd missed a layup with the Badgers up one point. High Point's Rob Martin grabbed the rebound and threw a full-court pass to Johnston, who finished the breakaway to stun the crowd.
Here's the incredible part: Johnston's game-winner was his first two-point basket all season long. The guard spent the entire year launching three-pointers, and he stayed hot in this game too, hitting four of six attempts from behind the arc and scoring 14 points off the bench.
Martin led the Panthers with 23 points and 10 assists, including the assist that will live forever in school history. Four other High Point players scored in double figures, showing this upset was a true team effort.
Wisconsin entered the game as heavy favorites, but the Badgers couldn't close despite strong performances from Boyd (27 points) and John Blackwell (22 points, 10 rebounds). The loss marks Wisconsin's second first-round exit as a fifth seed in three years, continuing a frustrating tournament drought that stretches back to 2017.
Why This Inspires
High Point's journey shows why March Madness captures hearts every year. Last season was the Panthers' first-ever tournament appearance, and they absorbed the experience. This year, they returned ready to make noise.
For a smaller school competing against basketball powerhouses, tournament wins don't come easy. High Point didn't just show up, they believed they belonged, and one magical moment proved them right.
The victory gives the Panthers life in a tournament built for underdogs, and gives every small program hope that their moment can come too.
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Based on reporting by Fox News Sports
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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