The High Point Panthers will play against the Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament. This first-round game will happen at the Moda Center in Portland, OR. The game is set for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 1:50 PM ET and will be on TBS.
The High Point Panthers come into this game with a strong season record of 30-4. They had an impressive conference record of 18-1 in the Big South. In their recent games, they won against Winthrop, UNC Asheville, and Gardner-Webb, showing solid performances.
The Wisconsin Badgers hold an overall record of 24-10 and a conference record of 16-7 in the Big Ten. They are ranked #19 in the AP poll. Recently, they won against Illinois and Washington but lost to Michigan by three points.
Wisconsin Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers are ranked #19 in the AP poll. They play in the Big Ten Conference. During the 2026 regular season, they had an overall record of 24-10 and a conference record of 16-7.
In the 2025 postseason, Wisconsin won against Montana in the first round with a score of 85-66. They lost to BYU in the second round, 91-89. The team has shown strong performances in recent games, including a win against Illinois with a score of 91-88.
Nick Boyd is a key player for the Badgers. He averages 20.6 points per game and has a field goal percentage of 47.9%. John Blackwell also contributes significantly with 19.0 points per game and a free throw percentage of 86.6%.
Wisconsin’s offensive stats show they score 83.0 points per game, ranking them 41st. They make 11.8 three-pointers per game, which is 12th in the rankings. Their free throw percentage is 78.6%, placing them 34th. On defense, they average 5.7 steals per game.
High Point Preview
The High Point Panthers play in the Big South Conference. In the 2025 postseason, they reached the Midwest Region’s first round. They played against Purdue and lost 63-75. This game ended their postseason run.
In the 2026 regular season, the Panthers had a strong record. They won 30 games and lost 4. In conference play, they had 18 wins and 1 loss. This shows their dominance in the Big South Conference.
Recently, the Panthers won three home games. They beat Winthrop Eagles 91-76, UNC Asheville Bulldogs 75-71, and Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs 81-59. Terry Anderson and Rob Martin were key players in these games.
For the 2026 season, the Panthers scored 90 points per game. Their field goal percentage was 49.1%. They also made 19.9 free throws per game. On defense, they averaged 10.9 steals per game. These stats highlight their strong performance on both ends of the court.
Statistical Breakdown for Wisconsin vs High Point
The game between the Wisconsin Badgers and High Point Panthers will be shaped by several key stats. Wisconsin scores 83.0 points per game, while High Point scores 90.0 points per game. High Point’s defense is strong with 10.9 steals per game, compared to Wisconsin’s 5.7 steals. Wisconsin’s three-point shooting is a strength with 11.8 made per game, ranking 12th. High Point’s field goal percentage is higher at 49.1%, compared to Wisconsin’s 45.0%. These stats will play a big role in determining the outcome.
- Wisconsin Points Per Game: 83.0 (41st)
- High Point Points Per Game: 90.0 (5th)
- Wisconsin Three-Point Made Per Game: 11.8 (12th)
- High Point Steals Per Game: 10.9
- Wisconsin Steals Per Game: 5.7
- High Point Field Goal Percentage: 49.1% (21st)
- Wisconsin Field Goal Percentage: 45.0% (205th)
Betting Insights
The High Point Panthers and Wisconsin Badgers have shown strong performances in their recent games. High Point has been dominant straight up, while Wisconsin has been reliable against the spread. These trends offer valuable insights for bettors. Let’s look at the top betting trends for this game.
- High Point is 10-0 straight up in their last 10 games.
- Wisconsin is 22-13 against the spread in all games.
- High Point is 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 games.
- Wisconsin is 7-3 against the spread as an underdog.
- High Point is 1-4 on the over/under in their last 5 games.
Free Betting Prediction for Wisconsin vs High Point
Wisconsin and High Point both have strong offenses. Wisconsin averages 83 points per game, while High Point scores 90. High Point’s defense is also notable with 10.9 steals per game. Wisconsin’s three-point shooting is a key strength, making 11.8 per game. This could be a deciding factor in the game.
High Point has been successful in their last 10 games, winning all of them. Wisconsin has been solid against the spread, especially as an underdog. High Point’s recent form and strong defense might give them an edge. However, Wisconsin’s home advantage and shooting could make the game close.
The game is expected to be high-scoring with the over/under set at 164.5. Both teams have strong offenses, so the over might be a good option. Wisconsin is favored to win, but High Point could cover the spread with their recent performance. The game could be close, but Wisconsin’s shooting and home court might lead them to a win.
- Our Free Prediction: High Point +10.5
