March Madness 12 vs 5 upset? Why High Point could beat Wisconsin
High Point may be one of the teams to pull off an early upset as they face No. 5 Wisconsin in the First Round of March Madness.
One of the most popular upset picks every March is the 12-over-5 game, and this year’s matchup between No. 12 High Point and No. 5 Wisconsin fits the profile perfectly.
As the NCAA Tournament tips off, many fans filling out their brackets will circle this game as a potential surprise, and history suggests they might be onto something.
Why Wisconsin should be worried about High Point in Round 1
The No. 12 seed has long been one of the most dangerous spots in the bracket. Upsets in this matchup happen regularly, making it one of the most unpredictable games of the first round.
That already puts pressure on Wisconsin, who enter as the favorite, but far from a lock to advance.
What makes High Point dangerous
High Point earned their spot in the tournament by winning the Big South Conference, continuing a strong season that put the program on the national radar.
Will Chase Johnston finally make a 2-point this season? And will High Point upset Wisconsin? 🤔👀 pic.twitter.com/MY0BgPIde6
— theScore (@theScore) March 18, 2026
Teams like High Point often enter March with momentum, confidence, and nothing to lose, a combination that has fueled countless Cinderella runs over the years.
They also tend to play with a different style than major conference teams, which can create matchup problems, especially for opponents that haven’t seen them before.
The pressure is on Wisconsin
Power conference teams are expected to handle lower seeds, but that expectation can quickly turn into pressure if the game stays close. A hot shooting stretch or a slow start can flip the momentum instantly.
"We're battle tested for any team."
— Audrey Marr (@AudreyMarrTV) March 16, 2026
No. 5-seed Wisconsin men's basketball is going dancing, matching up with 12-seed High Point on Thursday in Portland.
The #Badgers are now looking forward to what lies ahead with the confidence of their experience in mind. pic.twitter.com/07vhl0HQOe
That’s often how 12-over-5 upsets unfold, not through dominance, but through timely execution and confidence late in the game.
Why this game could go down to the wire
If High Point can control the tempo and stay within striking distance, the pressure will shift onto Wisconsin. That’s when underdogs thrive.
March Madness is built on moments like this, and while Wisconsin may be favored on paper, High Point has all the ingredients of a team capable of pulling off one of the tournament’s first big upsets.
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