High Point Panthers Clinch NCAA Tournament Berth with Big South Championship

The Panthers defeated the Winthrop Eagles 91-76 to secure the conference's automatic bid to March Madness.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The High Point Panthers are headed back to the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big South Championship on Sunday. The Panthers defeated the Winthrop Eagles 91-76 to claim the conference's automatic bid to the Big Dance. High Point was led by Rob Martin's 23 points, while Cameron Fletcher grabbed a record 19 rebounds. The Panthers finished the regular season 29-4 overall and 15-1 in conference play, dominating the Big South all year with their high-powered offense.

Why it matters

High Point's return to the NCAA Tournament marks the second straight year the Panthers have punched their ticket to March Madness. After making their first Division I tournament appearance last season, the Panthers will look to make more noise on the national stage this time around.

The details

The Panthers jumped out to a 39-32 halftime lead and then pulled away in the second half to claim the Big South title. High Point was one of the most entertaining offensive teams in the country this season, averaging nearly 90 points per game. Forward Terry Anderson led the team with 16.0 points per game, while Rob Martin also played a key role in the Panthers' success.

  • High Point defeated Winthrop 91-76 in the Big South Championship game on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • The Panthers finished the regular season 29-4 overall and 15-1 in Big South play.

The players

Rob Martin

The High Point guard led the team with 23 points in the Big South Championship game.

Cameron Fletcher

The High Point forward grabbed a record 19 rebounds in the Big South title game.

Terry Anderson

The High Point forward led the team in scoring during the regular season, averaging 16.0 points per game.

Flynn Clayman

The first-year head coach of the High Point Panthers, who guided the team to the Big South Championship in his debut season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

High Point will now wait to see where they are seeded in the NCAA Tournament when the bracket is revealed on Selection Sunday.

The takeaway

High Point's return to the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big South Championship showcases the program's continued growth and success. Led by first-year head coach Flynn Clayman, the Panthers have emerged as one of the top mid-major teams in the country and will look to make some noise in March Madness.