March Madness 2026: No. 12 High Point rallies from 10 down to upset No. 5 Wisconsin in thriller

March 20, 2026 - 00:43

In a game that encapsulated the unpredictable magic of the NCAA tournament, the 12th-seeded High Point Panthers engineered a breathtaking comeback to upset the No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers. The Panthers, overcoming a 10-point second-half deficit, sealed a dramatic victory in the final seconds.

The hero of the hour was guard Duke Johnston, whose sharpshooting from beyond the arc kept High Point within striking distance. Johnston shot a blistering 4 of 6 from three-point range, setting the stage for a unforgettable finish. With the game on the line and just 11.2 seconds remaining, Johnston drove to the basket for a clutch go-ahead layup—marking his first two-point field goal of the entire season in the most crucial moment imaginable.

Wisconsin had one final opportunity to answer, but a desperation heave at the buzzer fell short, sending the High Point bench and their fans into a frenzy. This victory stands as a monumental achievement for the Panthers' program, proving that in March, seeding numbers often mean very little against heart and a hot hand. The team now advances, having already authored one of the most memorable moments of the tournament's opening round.