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Source: Fox News
Summary
High Point University won its first-ever March Madness game, defeating No. 5 Wisconsin 83-82. The 12th-seeded Panthers came back from a double-digit deficit to secure the upset. Coach Flynn Clayman criticized Power Four schools for avoiding mid-majors like High Point in the regular season. Guard Chase Johnston scored the game-winning basket with 11.7 seconds left.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
High Point rode a late push to victory, just like we’ve seen from underdogs before. Wisconsin’s struggles down the stretch were a hallmark of this season. The Panthers’ first March Madness win was a long time coming, but it’s a reminder that upsets are always possible. This one felt recognizable early.
Clayman’s comments about Power Four schools avoiding mid-majors are a common refrain. It’s a theme we’ve seen play out in many seasons. The result wasn’t surprising by the end.
Johnston’s game-winning basket was a thrilling moment, but it’s a reminder that sometimes it takes a breakaway layup to win a game. Amazingly, it was his first two-point basket of the season.
Original Observation: This upset was a “learning moment” for the Power Four schools, who now know that mid-majors like High Point are capable of pulling off major upsets.
