The 12th-seeded High Point Panthers put together another strong performance in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament but fell short against the No. 4 Arkansas Razorbacks in the Round of 32.
High Point, representing the Big South Conference from High Point, North Carolina, opened the tournament with an upset win over No. 5 Wisconsin, advancing to the second round for the first time in program history. The Panthers led by as many as five points early against Arkansas and held a 56-52 advantage with 14:17 remaining after a 12-2 run.
The teams traded baskets in the middle stages, with neither side building a lead larger than three points. High Point regained the lead at 72-71 with 7:04 to play, but Arkansas responded with a 10-2 run to take a seven-point advantage.
The game tied at 83 following a High Point surge, but Arkansas outscored the Panthers 11-5 over the final 3:19 to secure the victory at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Arkansas was favored by 11.5 points.
High Point guards Rob Martin (30 points) and Cam'Ron Fletcher (25 points) combined for 55 points. Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. led all scorers with 36 points. The Razorbacks, coached by John Calipari in his first season at the program,[1] advance to the Sweet 16 to face the winner of No. 1 Arizona and No. 9 Utah State.
High Point, under head coach Flynn Clayman,[2] reached the NCAA tournament for the first time the previous season but exited without a win.
Sources
- Arkansas Razorbacks. "Arkansas Hires John Calipari as New Head Men’s Basketball Coach". 1 April 2024. https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/news/2024/4/1/mens-basketball-arkansas-hires-john-calipari-as-new-head-mens-basketball-coach.aspx
- High Point Panthers. "Flynn Clayman - Head Men's Basketball Coach". Accessed 2024. https://highpointpanthers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/flynn-clayman/1978
