“Why not us?”: High Point stuns Wisconsin for first NCAA Tournament win in program history
WFMY News 2 High Point University made history Thursday, defeating Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament for the program’s first-ever March Madness victory and its first win over a Power Four opponent. The upset sent shockwaves through the basketball world, sparking celebrations across campus and at watch parties throughout the city. “This is the coolest thing ever,” said Morgan Qubein, a longtime High Point fan who joined others at a local watch party.
“This is truly the best feeling. It really is. We are so pumped to go to round two.
” The Panthers, a mid-major program, entered the game as underdogs but held on in the final seconds to secure the win. Fans described a tense finish as Wisconsin had one last chance to pull off a miracle. “Don’t mess this up,” alumnus Tommy Rodgers said of his thoughts in the final seconds.
When the final buzzer sounded, emotions ran high. “Being in this environment and with the fans that I was around was just awesome, remarkable, seeing that everybody really do truly care and supports the team,” said Brandel Kimmons, a High Point native. “It’s just mind blowing.
" “Watch what turned out to be the biggest game in High Point basketball history,” Rodgers said. “So, 55 tries, I think, of trying to beat a Power Four conference team, and we finally get one done. So, big deal.