High Point Upsets Wisconsin and Calls Out Major Conferences to Play Mid-Majors

A Historic Upset: High Point Panthers Stun Wisconsin

The High Point Panthers marked a significant milestone in their basketball history by achieving their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, pulling off a thrilling upset against the fifth-seeded Wisconsin Badgers with a final score of 83-82. This unexpected win came as the Panthers, seeded 12th, showcased resilience by overcoming a double-digit deficit to triumph in the first round of March Madness on March 19, 2026.

Head coach Flynn Clayman, energized by this achievement, made a bold statement regarding the scheduling practices of major conference teams, asserting that many of these teams are reluctant to play against mid-major schools like High Point. "It looks pretty obvious to me that high-majors need to play mid-majors early in the season. Because they said we didn’t play nobody. We played somebody now," Clayman expressed, arguing that their performance merits acknowledgment and opportunities against larger programs.

The Challenges of Mid-Major Scheduling

High Point's season was largely defined by games against fellow mid-major schools, limiting their exposure and competitive prospects. The Panthers achieved a commendable 31-4 record, but many opportunities to face off against major programs were rejected. Clayman noted, "Nobody would play us, just like they wouldn’t play Miami (Ohio). But they gotta play us in this tournament." This sentiment emphasizes how mid-majors often find it challenging to secure games against Power Five schools due to perceived risks that come with these matchups.

The Game's Nail-Biting Ending

The game against Wisconsin was characterized by dramatic moments, particularly in its closing seconds. Chase Johnston emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning basket with only 11.7 seconds left after Wisconsin's Nick Boyd missed an opportunity to put his team ahead. High Point's Rob Martin sprinted the ball down the court, successfully setting up Johnston for the decisive layup. Remarkably, this basket marked Johnston's first two-point score of the entire season, highlighting the unpredictability of March Madness.

Broader Implications and the Future of Mid-Major Teams

Clayman's call-out extends beyond just High Point; it raises questions about the broader dynamics of college basketball scheduling. Major conferences often opt for lower-ranked teams to bolster their win records, leaving mid-majors battling for recognition and opportunities. High Point's victory may challenge these dynamics, potentially opening doors for other mid-majors to showcase their talent on bigger stages.

Comparative Perspectives: Other Mid-Major Successes

This year's tournament is reminiscent of past Cinderella stories, where underdog teams have caused major upsets. For instance, Miami (Ohio) also found success in their tournament run, indicating that mid-major teams can indeed compete at high levels when given the chance. As teams like High Point gain visibility through such upsets, it may prompt re-evaluation of how traditional power structure applies within college basketball.

Conclusion: A Call for Changes in Scheduling Practices

Ultimately, Clayman’s plea for recognition deserves attention as it underlines a much larger issue within collegiate sports. As the Panthers bask in their historic victory, their story serves as a reminder to larger programs: don’t overlook the talent and potential that mid-majors bring to the court. The NCAA Tournament is designed for surprises, and it seems High Point’s victory could be the catalyst needed to drive changes in scheduling conventions.