NCAA First Round: High Point vs Wisconsin Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 19)
- The Panthers pull off back-to-back appearances in March Madness.
- The Badgers make their 28th appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
- This marks the first all-time matchup between the two squads.
One of the more unique matchups of the March 19 slate will happen in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament when the High Point Panthers take on the Wisconsin Badgers on Thursday afternoon. The latter comes out as the solid favorite, competing for their place in the second round.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, March 14, 1:50 pm ET
- Where: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
- How to Watch: TBS
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Point | -110 | +10 | O162 |
| Wisconsin | -110 | -10 | U162 |
Game Preview
The Panthers (30-4) have enjoyed a remarkable campaign as one of the best mid-major stories of the season, winning the Big South Championship. High Point leads the Big South and is second nationally with 90.0 points per game. Terry Anderson was named the Big South Tournament MVP after averaging 18.6 ppg and 9.6 rpg. On another note, Cam’Ron Fletcher presents himself as a double-double threat with 12.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest.
The Badgers (24-10) boast one of the country’s best resumes, being one out of two teams with four or more wins over top 10 teams. Wisconsin is fourth in the country in three-pointers per game averaging 11.8 after eclipsing 400 this season in the last game. They are led by Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, averaging 20.6 points per game and 19.0 points per game. Meanwhile, Nolan Winter leads the team on the boards averaging 8.6 per game.
High Point vs Wisconsin Head-to-Head
The two programs are facing each other for the first time in their respective histories.
High Point vs Wisconsin Predictions
This game will be an offensive battle as High Point possesses one of the best offenses in the country while Wisconsin boasts a dynamic attack with John Blackwell and Nick Boyd leading the way. The Badgers seek a deep tournament run as a possible Final Four squad but will need to play at the level they had when they stunned some of the best squads in the country during the regular season. Our betting pick here is the Badgers to defend a 10-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick:Â Wisconsin Badgers -10
