As the NCAA Tournament kicks off, all eyes are on the potential high-scoring showdown between Wisconsin and 12th-seeded High Point in the West Region. This matchup in Portland promises fireworks, as both teams boast impressive offensive stats.
High Point, the Big South's regular-season and tournament champ, enters the tourney with a scorching 30-4 record and a 14-game winning streak-the longest active run in the nation. Averaging 90.0 points per game, the Panthers rank third in Division I scoring. Meanwhile, Wisconsin isn't far behind, posting 83.0 points per game, marking their highest-scoring squad since the early '70s.
History tells us that the 5-12 matchup is ripe for upsets, with two No. 5 seeds falling in the first round in three of the last four tournaments. But Wisconsin's coach, Greg Gard, isn't sweating the seedings.
"Erase the numbers, that's what I always say," Gard emphasizes. His focus is on the game, not the number next to his team's name.
The Badgers have had their share of first-round heartbreaks, most recently against James Madison in 2024. But Gard is banking on his guards to steer them through.
Senior guard Nick Boyd, a second-team All-Big Ten selection, is a powerhouse, averaging 20.6 points and 4.2 assists. Junior John Blackwell isn't far behind, with 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Their dynamic play was on full display when they combined for a historic scoring duo in a Big Ten quarterfinals upset over Illinois.
Boyd brings invaluable tournament experience, having been part of Florida Atlantic's Final Four run in 2022-23. Gard sees the evolution of guard play as crucial, noting, "The pace of play universally is up. I think obviously we have really good ones."
Wisconsin might also see the return of forward Nolan Winter and sophomore guard Jack Janicki, who were sidelined during the Big Ten tournament.
High Point isn't short on talent either. Guard Rob Martin leads with 15.3 points and 3.7 assists, supported by versatile wings Terry Anderson and Cam'Ron Fletcher. Fletcher, a former top recruit, brings experience from his time at Kentucky.
The Badgers are lethal from beyond the arc, making 400 threes this season, second only to Alabama. With an average of 11.8 threes per game, they rank fourth in Division I. Blackwell and Braeden Carrington spearhead this long-range assault, while Austin Rapp showcased his shooting prowess in a tight loss to Michigan.
Wisconsin's season took a turn after a thrilling victory over Michigan in January, sparking a 14-5 run that included wins over high seeds like Illinois, Purdue, and Michigan State. "We've been on an ascension from mid-January," Gard reflects, proud of his team's growth and resilience.
High Point's journey mirrors that of the Badgers. They haven't lost since mid-January, avenging a loss to Winthrop with a decisive victory in the Big South tournament final. Coach Flynn Crayman is ready for the challenge, acknowledging the unpredictability of the 5-12 matchup.
With No. 12 seeds historically pulling off 35.6 percent of upsets against No. 5 seeds, according to the NCAA Tournament media guide, this game is set to be a thrilling start to March Madness.