High Point pushes Arkansas to the limit in NCAA Tournament loss

The Panthers' Cinderella run ends, but they proved their worth against the SEC champions.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:50pm

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High Point University's men's basketball team, the No. 12 seed in the West Region, gave fourth-seeded Arkansas all it could handle in their second-round NCAA Tournament matchup, falling 94-88 to the Razorbacks. The Panthers kept the game within single digits throughout, matching Arkansas' high-tempo offense and physicality. High Point's Rob Martin scored a season-high 30 points, while Cam'Ron Fletcher added 25 in the losing effort. Despite the defeat, High Point head coach Flynn Clayman and the players expressed pride in their historic season and Cinderella run.

Why it matters

High Point's performance against the SEC champion Razorbacks proved the Panthers were worthy of their tournament berth and showed they could compete at the highest level. The game highlighted High Point's commitment to basketball success and the school's investment in the program, which has led to three straight Big South titles and the team's first NCAA Tournament win.

The details

High Point kept the game close throughout, tying the score six times and exchanging the lead 15 times with Arkansas. The Panthers matched the Razorbacks in 3-point shooting and rebounding, finishing just one rebound shy of Arkansas' total. High Point's Rob Martin scored a season-high 30 points, while Cam'Ron Fletcher added 25. Martin and Fletcher, who both hail from the St. Louis area, were teammates for the first time this season after frequently competing against each other in high school.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 22, 2026 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.

The players

Flynn Clayman

The head coach of the High Point University men's basketball team.

Rob Martin

A High Point guard who scored a season-high 30 points in the loss to Arkansas.

Cam'Ron Fletcher

A High Point forward who scored 25 points in the game, overcoming injuries and personal matters that sidelined him for eight games during the season.

Darius Acuff, Jr.

The Arkansas Razorbacks' star freshman who led his team with 36 points and set an NCAA Tournament record for most points scored by a freshman through two games with 58 total.

John Calipari

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, who previously recruited High Point's Cam'Ron Fletcher to play for him at Kentucky.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really proud of our guys and how we competed. We showed out, we packed the house, we had fun, and we played with confidence. We were expected to be good, but I don't think anybody expected us to do what we did here in winning 31 games, getting to the tournament, advancing, and pushing the SEC champs.”

— Flynn Clayman, High Point head coach

“I put so much work in, and I feel like it showed tonight. Matching up with a (projected) lottery pick and showing the world that I can compete at a high level, I'm super proud of myself for my journey. All glory to God.”

— Rob Martin, High Point guard

“I never would have seen myself playing with Rob because of how often we competed growing up and in high school. It was a good feeling to have someone that close to me that I knew before going to High Point. I'm very grateful to be able to play with him this year. It meant a lot to me.”

— Cam'Ron Fletcher, High Point forward

“To see him do what he did today, I was proud of him. He put his shoulder down and just did what he wanted to do. I'm happy that it's turned out this way for him and for High Point.”

— John Calipari, Kentucky head coach

“Choosing High Point is the best decision I've ever made. The Lord opened so many opportunities for me here. It's a season I'll never forget. I'll take so much from it.”

— Chase Johnston, High Point guard

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlights High Point's commitment to basketball success and the school's investment in the program, which has led to three straight Big South titles and the team's first NCAA Tournament win. Despite the loss, the Panthers proved they could compete at the highest level and earned the respect of their opponents and fans alike.