PORTLAND, Ore. — Chase Johnston converted his inaugural two-point shot of the season, a rapid break lay-in with 11.7 seconds to spare, which secured an 83-82 triumph for the 12th-seeded High Point squad against fifth-ranked Wisconsin during Thursday’s opening round of the NCAA championship event.
Johnston tallied 14 points, comprising four shots from beyond the arc for the Panthers, who were identified as 10½-point longshots, as per DraftKings Sportsbook. His prior shooting record stood at 64-of-136 (47.1%) from three-point range, yet he had zero successful attempts from four tries within the arc.
Rob Martin amassed 23 points and 10 assists for the Panthers, who are set to confront either 13th-ranked Hawaii or the fourth-seeded Arkansas team during the subsequent Midwest Region game on Saturday.
Nick Boyd concluded with 27 points for Wisconsin (24-11). John Blackwell contributed 22 points along with 10 rebounds.
Following Johnston’s score, which propelled High Point ahead, Owen Aquino rejected a Boyd drive for a lay-in. The Panthers’ Cam’Ron Fletcher incurred a foul and failed to convert a foul shot, thereby presenting the Badgers an opportunity with a single second remaining, but Andrew Rohde’s extended pass was intercepted by Terry Anderson, and the festivities commenced for High Point and their rookie coach, Flynn Clayman.
High Point secured a berth in the championship event through clinching the Big South championship for a consecutive season. This marked the initial March Madness triumph for the Panthers, having been defeated by Purdue in the opening round the previous year.
Clayman assumed leadership from Alan Huss, who departed to serve as an assistant coach at Creighton under the condition he would succeed Greg McDermott.
High Point demonstrated fortitude battling Wisconsin’s tandem of Blackwell and Boyd, establishing a 43-41 advantage at the commencement of the second half. Both Badgers guards maintained an average of over 19 points during this season.
The Badgers advanced to a 56-50 lead, but High Point evened the score at 58 following Martin’s shot from beyond the arc. Subsequent to a Wisconsin miscue, Martin failed on a lay-in attempt, and during the subsequent possession, Rohde sank a three-pointer for the Badgers.
Braeden Carrington’s three-pointer extended Wisconsin’s advantage to 68-61 with 7 minutes and 45 seconds remaining. Terry Anderson’s slam brought the Panthers within a 72-70 margin with 3 minutes and 48 seconds remaining. Following Boyd’s response with two foul shots, Johnston connected on an additional three-pointer to narrow the Panthers’ deficit to a single point.
Johnston sank his fourth three-pointer, bringing High Point to an 82-81 score with 55 seconds left on the clock.
The Badgers, in their 29th championship event participation, were defeated by Michigan in the Big Ten tournament semifinals.