High Point Upsets No. 4 Arkansas in March Madness Thriller

Cinderella story continues as Panthers take down Razorbacks in second round

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:37am

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In a stunning upset, the No. 12 seed High Point Panthers defeated the No. 4 seed Arkansas Razorbacks in a thrilling second-round March Madness matchup. Led by the heroics of guard Chase Johnston, who hit a game-winning layup in the final seconds, High Point overcame a talented Arkansas squad to advance to the Sweet 16.

Why it matters

High Point's victory over Arkansas is a major Cinderella story in this year's NCAA tournament, as the Panthers continue to defy the odds and make a deep run. The win showcases the parity in college basketball and the ability of smaller programs to compete with the sport's powerhouses. It also raises questions about Arkansas' depth and ability to handle High Point's fast-paced offense.

The details

In a back-and-forth affair, High Point used its up-tempo style and sharp shooting to keep pace with the more talented Razorbacks. Chase Johnston led the way for the Panthers, scoring a game-high 23 points, including the decisive layup in the final seconds to seal the victory. Rob Martin also played a key role for High Point, using his speed to get past Arkansas' defense. For the Razorbacks, freshman Darius Acuff Jr. had a strong performance with 18 points, but the team struggled to contain High Point's offense down the stretch.

  • High Point defeated No. 5 Wisconsin in the first round on March 16, 2026.
  • The High Point vs. Arkansas second-round game took place on March 18, 2026.

The players

Chase Johnston

A guard for the High Point Panthers who scored the game-winning layup to defeat Arkansas.

Rob Martin

A guard for the High Point Panthers known for his speed and ability to get past defenders.

Darius Acuff Jr.

A freshman forward for the Arkansas Razorbacks who led his team with 18 points in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to play our game and not get caught up in the moment. These guys have been doubted all year, but they keep proving people wrong.”

— Tubby Smith, Head Coach, High Point Panthers

“Credit to High Point, they played a great game and made the plays when it counted. We just couldn't slow them down enough defensively.”

— Eric Musselman, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks

What’s next

High Point will face the winner of the Michigan vs. Saint Louis game in the Sweet 16 on March 23, 2026.

The takeaway

High Point's stunning upset of Arkansas is a testament to the parity in college basketball and the ability of smaller programs to compete with the sport's elite teams. The Panthers' fast-paced offense and clutch play down the stretch proved too much for the more talented Razorbacks, setting up an intriguing Sweet 16 matchup for the Cinderella story.