The High Point Upset became one of the biggest talking points of the NCAA tournament after the Panthers secured their first-ever March Madness victory. In a dramatic showdown, the 12th-seeded High Point stunned No. 5 Wisconsin with an 83-82 win, proving they belong on the national stage.
This High Point Upset not only delivered a historic win but also sparked strong reactions from head coach Flynn Clayman, who openly criticized major conference teams for avoiding matchups against mid-major programs like his.
Historic Win: High Point Stuns Wisconsin
High Point entered the tournament as a clear underdog, with a 10.5-point spread against them. However, the Panthers showed resilience and determination, overcoming a double-digit deficit to secure the memorable High Point Upset.
Game-Changing Moments
- The game remained intense until the final seconds
- High Point completed a comeback from behind
- Final score: 83-82 victory over Wisconsin
This High Point Upset marks the first NCAA tournament win in school history, making it a landmark achievement for the program.
Coach Flynn Clayman Calls Out Power Conferences
Following the High Point Upset, head coach Flynn Clayman didn’t hold back. He pointed out that major conference teams often avoid scheduling mid-major opponents during the regular season.
Key Statement
Clayman emphasized that:
- High-major teams rarely schedule strong mid-majors
- Critics claimed High Point hadn’t faced tough competition
- The tournament proved they can compete at the highest level
He also mentioned that teams like Miami (Ohio) face similar challenges, highlighting a broader issue in college basketball scheduling.
Clutch Performance Seals the High Point Upset
The High Point Upset was decided in dramatic fashion during the final moments of the game.
Final Seconds Breakdown
- Wisconsin’s Nick Boyd missed a crucial layup that could have given them the lead
- Rob Martin secured the rebound and launched a long pass
- Chase Johnston finished with a breakaway layup with 11.7 seconds remaining
Interestingly, this basket was Johnston’s first two-point field goal of the entire season, making the moment even more remarkable.
Defensive Stand Secures Victory
High Point still needed to defend their narrow lead after taking control.
- Owen Aquino delivered a critical block on Boyd’s next attempt
- Cam’Ron Fletcher missed a free throw, giving Wisconsin one last chance
- Andrew Rohde’s final pass was intercepted by Terry Anderson
With that steal, the High Point Upset was officially sealed, and celebrations began.
Key Player Contributions
Several players played crucial roles in achieving the High Point Upset.
Top Performers
- Chase Johnston: 14 points, including four three-pointers
- Rob Martin: Key rebound and assist on game-winning play
- Owen Aquino: Game-saving defensive block
- Terry Anderson: Final steal to secure victory
The team effort was a major factor behind this unforgettable High Point Upset.
Road to March Madness
High Point earned its place in the NCAA tournament by winning the Big South title for the second consecutive year.
- Last season: Lost to Purdue in the first round
- This season: Secured first-ever tournament victory
The High Point Upset represents a huge step forward for the program under first-year coach Flynn Clayman.
The High Point Upset is more than just a single victory—it’s a statement about the strength of mid-major programs. High Point showed that given the opportunity, they can compete with and defeat top-tier teams. Coach Flynn Clayman’s comments highlight a larger issue in college basketball scheduling, where smaller programs often struggle to get recognition.
This win not only boosts High Point’s reputation but also sends a clear message: mid-majors deserve respect, and they’re ready to prove it on the biggest stage.