In a highly anticipated NCAA tournament matchup, the BYU basketball team is gearing up to face off against the Wisconsin Badgers on March 22, 2025, in Denver. This critical Round of 32 game is significant as it only marks the third time these two teams have met in the tournament's history, with their last encounter taking place in Chicago back in 2011.
Wisconsin's head coach, Greg Gard, reflects on this upcoming clash with historical insight. Having led the Badgers for ten seasons, Gard's connection to Wisconsin basketball runs deep, including his time as an assistant coach. Observing the previous meeting in 2011, he remarked, "That was my only time facing BYU as an assistant coach," highlighting the rarity of this matchup.
Both teams are looking to advance further in the tournament with different motivations fueling their determination. Wisconsin aims to return to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017, while BYU is seeking to break a 14-year drought from this stage. The last time BYU advanced this far was in 2011, when they lost to Florida under the leadership of star player Jimmer Fredette. Gard noted the importance of understanding BYU’s playing style, which he compared to Illinois, singling out their proficiency in three-point shooting.
Gard humorously predicted a close contest, suggesting a potential score of 50 to 48, emphasizing the defensive and offensive strengths both teams need to navigate. “I’ve seen some of their plays this season and they can shoot the three-pointer very well. They have players who can stretch the floor, and we need to be vigilant about their attacking threats,” he stated.
Meanwhile, BYU players are acutely aware of the significance of this game. Dawson Baker, a leading player, expressed the thrill surrounding the chance to reach the Sweet 16, stating, "It’s funny thinking about winning one game gets us to the Sweet 16." He continued to believe in the team’s potential to progress deep into the tournament, asserting, "We know we have the potential to go far in this tournament. Our depth, shooting, adjustment capabilities during games, and solid defense could take us further than people expect."
However, BYU carries a heavy burden in tournament history. They have not defeated a single-digit seed since 1991 when they shocked a 7 seed Virginia while being a 10 seed. Since then, their record against higher-seeded teams stands at 0-14. This adds an extra layer of motivation for the Cougars as they prepare to face a tough Wisconsin squad that ranks both in the offensive and defensive top 25 nationally.
The upcoming game not only represents a pivotal moment for BYU seeking redemption—having only reached the Sweet 16 twice since the introduction of seedings in 1979, in 1981 and 2011—but it also stands as an opportunity for both teams to demonstrate their capabilities on a big stage. Baker has recognized the monumental challenge ahead with clarity: “Winning one game would put us one step closer to reaching the Sweet 16. The excitement is palpable, and we need to focus on the moment rather than getting ahead of ourselves.”
As both teams conclude their final preparations, the spotlight intensifies on each coaching strategy and player dynamics. Gard summarized this sentiment well when he remarked, “At the end of the day, basketball goes back to the basics. We need to maintain simplicity even while playing at a fast pace. Our focus is executing our game plan effectively for this crucial match.”
The anticipation builds for a thrilling matchup as every pass, shot, and defensive maneuver could redefine their trajectories in the NCAA tournament. The stakes are palpable, and the history and hopes of both programs are on the line.