INDIANAPOLIS – Wisconsin’s run to the Big Ten championship came up just short of the finish line as they fell to Michigan, 59-53, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 16, 2025. Despite leading by as many as 11 points early in the second half, the Badgers were outscored 21-8 during the final 8 minutes and 13 seconds of play, sealing their fate for another year.
The Wolverines, who closed the game on an impressive 11-2 run, claimed their first conference tournament title since 2018, with Tre Donaldson and Vlad Goldin both scoring 11 points. This win marked coach Dusty May’s inaugural tournament title at the helm of Michigan.
Wisconsin's John Blackwell led all scorers with 18 points, and Max Klesmit contributed 12, but their efforts were not enough as the team struggled significantly from the floor. Wisconsin finished with only 15 field goals on 68 attempts, reflecting its season-low shooting percentage of 22.1%. With the Badgers limited to just 7-for-39 from three-point range, they couldn't find the rhythm they had shown earlier in the tournament.
The game started amid physical play, where both teams appeared sluggish, likely due to the grueling tournament schedule. Wisconsin, having played four games within four days, seemed fatigued as they shot just 21.6% (8 of 37) from the field and 16.7% (4 of 24) from three-point range during the first half. Nevertheless, they managed to lead by two at halftime, 23-21, thanks to stellar defensive play coupled with what little scoring they managed.
Michigan also struggled offensively early, finishing the first half shooting 28.1% from the field (9 of 32). The turning point came when Wisconsin surged to 38-27 lead early in the second half, igniting hope for their supporters. Yet, Michigan quickly answered back with key baskets, tying the game at 45 with under six minutes remaining.
With the match tightening, Klesmit and Donaldson exchanged three-pointers, keeping the score neck-and-neck. Wisconsin's Tonje found himself unable to convert on several key shots, shooting just 1-for-14 overall and finishing with only nine points after entering the tournament as one of the team’s key players. His struggles were compounded when he missed pivotal attempts late and the Badgers began to lose their grip on the game.
Donaldson’s clutch three-pointer with 1:54 left on the clock put the Wolverines up 53-51, and his ability to sink free throws extended the lead and buried the Badgers’ hopes for victory. Wisconsin temporarily tied the game at 53 courtesy of Klesmit’s free throws, but Michigan’s Goldin secured his two free throws after forcing the foul, bringing the score to 55-53.
From there, fatigue set deep as Wisconsin attempted to answer but was unable to score, missing their present opportunities and succumbing to Michigan's rebound aggression. The Wolverines grabbed two important offensive boards which extended their final possession and sealed Wisconsin’s fate.
Despite this continued trend of going out early, Badgers’ coach Greg Gard expressed confidence about their future as they head to the NCAA Tournament. “Every game like this, it teaches us and prepares us for the next challenge. We have the talent to go far, and we will learn from this,” Gard remarked post-game.
Looking forward, entering Selection Sunday, Wisconsin holds a strong 26-8 record and hopes to snag one of the higher seeds, perhaps as high as No. 3, positioning them for success against more favorable match-ups than last year’s first-round exit.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s victory added momentum heading to March Madness, taking their overall record to 25-9 and ensuring they’ve solidified their place within the top ranks for the tournament. Coach May praised their determination, stating, “We didn’t let adversity define us. This is who we are, and now we look to carry this forward.”
Both teams will learn their fates during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show, anxious to prove they can exceed past year’s disappointments. Wisconsin, still searching for their first tournament crown since 2015, aims to turn the page on recent struggles, drawing strength from the experience gained through the rugged Big Ten Tournament run.