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High Point guard Chase Johnston’s first two-point make of the season could not have come at a better time.
Johnston, a 3-point specialist who has attempted just four shots inside the arc this year, converted a wide-open layup to seal No. 12 High Point’s 83-82 upset win over fifth-seeded Wisconsin on Thursday in a West Region matchup.
After receiving a pass from teammate Rob Martin, Johnston did not do anything flashy on the fast break, simply finger-rolling the ball in with 11.7 seconds left.
“I was just trying to finish it, honestly. To be down one, get the ball thrown up to me, I was just like, ‘Get this in the rim,’” Johnston told reporters following the game, according to The Associated Press. “We can go shock the world if we do this.”
Coming into Thursday, Johnston was shooting 64-of-132 from beyond the arc, but was 0-for-4 on 2-pointers.
He had played more minutes (406) and scored more points (196) without scoring a two-point basket than any player in the country.
“It’s such justice that he gets all this national attention for never making a 2-point shot all season,” High Point coach Flynn Clayman said. “Then the first one he makes is to get us to this win in the NCAA Tournament.”
Johnston finished the game with 14 points while shooting 66.7 percent from the 3-point line.
Panthers guard Chase Johnston celebrates during the second half of High Point’s 83-82 upset win over Wisconsin on on March 19, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect“We’ve seen Johnston make some circus ones today off one leg,” Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said. “It’s exactly what I saw on film. His ability to shoot the ball and get it off quick.”
Johnston started his NCAA career with Stetson back in the 2020-21 season and played there for two years before transferring to Florida Gulf Coast.
After two seasons with the Eagles, Johnston transferred again to High Point, where he is now a graduate student.
Throughout his collegiate career, Johnston has racked up 415 3-pointers, good for the 22nd most in Division 1 history.
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