March Madness: Trae Benham just mean-mugged High Point University to a Big South Championship and a first-ever trip to the Big Dance

If you’re just now learning about Trae Benham, welcome to the party. The High Point University senior broke the internet on Sunday by mean-mugging his way into the NCAA Tournament, helping lead his squad to an 81-69 comeback win over Winthrop in the Big South Championship.

This wasn’t just a win—it was High Point’s first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. Naturally, emotions were high, and Benham put on an absolute show in the second half, making big plays and letting the world know about it.

MEAN MUGGIN' BENHAM!

High Point charges back from down 15 to take the lead!#BigSouthMBB x @HPUMBB pic.twitter.com/qbPzhD8WbI

— Big South Conference (@BigSouthSports) March 9, 2025

High Point University’s Trae Benham with the most ridiculous mean-mug ever…

High Point was down by as much as 15 before storming back. Midway through the second half, Benham attacked the basket, made a tough layup, and got fouled. Instead of the usual fist pump or chest beat, he busted out the most disrespectful mean mug of the season.

High Point has serious Cinderella potential in 2 weeks. pic.twitter.com/J82TDzBvHs

— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) March 9, 2025

Benham didn’t stop there. He also drilled a deep three earlier in the half to tie the game at 50, proving he’s got a flair for the dramatic.

TRAE BENHAM 👌🔥🤯 WE ARE ALL TIED UP#GoHPU x #OnTheProwl pic.twitter.com/6E4E2j8o0O

— HPU Men's Basketball (@HPUMBB) March 9, 2025

Trae Benham’s Performance vs. The Reactions

Now, here’s the part that made me do a double take. Trae Benham finished with 8 points and 10 rebounds. I was fully expecting him to have dropped 30 with the way he was strutting around. Not to be a hater, but if you’re mean-mugging like that, I need at least 20 and a game-winner.

Still, credit where it’s due—his energy was infectious, and his second-half play was a major reason why High Point flipped the script on Winthrop and punched their first-ever ticket to the Big Dance.

I will say, March Madness is built for guys like Trae Benham

One of the best things about the NCAA Tournament is watching random dudes become March legends overnight.

Benham is now on that radar.

• Every year, a lower-seed produces a cult hero who captures the moment.
• Every year, someone from a school you barely knew existed turns into a bracket buster.
• Every year, there’s a dude who plays with the kind of confidence that makes you think he’s Michael Jordan in his own mind.

Right now, Trae Benham looks ready to be that guy.

High Point will now be considered a trendy upset pick. Because if Benham mean-mugs his way to another win, he’s officially entering March Madness folklore.

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