High Point's Chase Johnston Wins First NCAA Tourney Game

With 11.7 seconds left in a March Madness thriller, Chase Johnston did something he'd never done all season. He made a two-pointer.

The High Point guard, known as a three-point specialist, caught a full-court pass and laid in the game-winning basket that toppled fifth-seeded Wisconsin 83-82. It was the 12th-seeded Panthers' first NCAA tournament win in school history.

What Johnston said after the game hit even harder than his clutch basket. "First and foremost, I wanna give all glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," he told reporters moments after the celebration.

The dramatic finish came when Wisconsin's Nick Boyd missed a layup that would have put the Badgers ahead. High Point's Rob Martin grabbed the rebound and fired the ball downcourt to Johnston, who was already sprinting toward the basket.

After Johnston's layup gave High Point the lead, the Panthers' defense sealed the win. Owen Aquino blocked another Wisconsin attempt, and Terry Anderson stole a desperate final pass with 1.8 seconds remaining.

Why This Inspires

Johnston's post-game reflection revealed what fueled the comeback from double digits. "This is a group of guys that's built on John 15:13," he explained, referencing the biblical verse about laying down one's life for friends. "We serve each other, we love each other, and we'd die for each other."

The win was especially sweet for first-year coach Flynn Clayman, who had publicly called out major schools for avoiding mid-major programs during the regular season. His confidence in his team proved justified.

High Point earned its tournament spot by winning the Big South title for the second straight season. Last year marked their first-ever tournament appearance, but they fell to Purdue in the opening round.

The Panthers face fourth-seeded Arkansas next, carrying momentum from a win that proved faith, brotherhood, and perfect timing can overcome any odds.