In a thrilling NCAA Tournament matchup, the No. 6 seed BYU Cougars edged out the No. 3 seed Wisconsin Badgers with a nail-biting 91-89 victory on March 22, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, marking their first advancement to the Sweet 16 since 2011.
The game started with both teams showcasing offensive prowess, but it was BYU that jumped out to an impressive early lead. The Cougars found their rhythm, going up 23-14 in the first half and maintaining a strong position at halftime with a score of 47-36.
BYU's offensive efficiency was evident throughout the game as they shot 49.2% from the field and a remarkable 46.2% from beyond the arc (12 of 26). They also capitalized on free throws, hitting 15 of 16 attempts (93.8%). Richie Saunders led the charge for BYU, scoring 25 points, making him a pivotal player in this exhilarating tournament clash. His contributions were essential in securing the Cougars' win against a formidable Badgers team.
Despite a second-half comeback from Wisconsin, who cut the lead to just four points after trailing by double digits, BYU held their ground. Wisconsin had previously established their tournament credibility by defeating the No. 14 Montana Grizzlies 85-66 in the first round, but this time they would face a tougher contest against the Cougars.
The game's intensity spiked when BYU’s Dawson Baker was ejected following a flagrant 2 foul with 3:11 left in the game for what officials deemed non-incidental contact to the groin. Up until that moment, BYU led 86-76, and the ejection shifted the game's dynamics significantly. Wisconsin capitalized on this moment, scoring 13 points to bring the game within two points at 91-89.
As the clock wound down, Wisconsin's John Tonje had a chance to tie or win the game with 13.5 seconds left but his contested baseline jumper missed, allowing BYU to secure the victory. This final possession saw the Badgers, who had previously been dominant in the tournament, fall short of tying the game.
With this victory, BYU is set to continue their journey in the tournament, aiming for the Sweet 16, which they have not achieved since 2011. The win also marked a significant upset, breaking the Big Ten’s perfect start in the tournament, as the league fell to 10-1 after this game.
Post-game comments from JJ Watt, the former NFL player and Wisconsin football alumnus, added a light-hearted moment to the excitement. He acknowledged BYU’s Richie Saunders during the game, referring to him as “the kid on BYU whose great grandfather invented Tater Tots.” This moment of recognition came as Saunders had not only shown his skills on the court but had also made history in his family legacy.
As the dust settles from this exciting match, both teams are left to reflect on their journeys. BYU, which has been on an impressive run, winning 10 of their last 11 games heading into this tournament, has showcased a flair for the dramatic under pressure. Wisconsin, despite being well-regarded, is left to regroup following this upset.
This NCAA Match has kept fans engaged, and it will surely be a topic of excitement for BYU supporters. The Cougars have proven they can compete at a high level and make their mark this tournament season. Stay tuned as BYU looks to continue their success as they move closer to the coveted Sweet 16.
