INDIANAPOLIS -- The No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers (25-8) are embarking on what they're calling their "revenge tour" during this year's NCAA Tournament. After defeating Northwestern, UCLA, and Michigan State, the Badgers find themselves preparing for the Big Ten Championship Game, which will take place today against Michigan.
Wisconsin's path to the championship has been marked by impressive performances, avenging earlier losses and proving their mettle. The Badgers started their tournament run on March 13, 2025, with a 72-67 victory over Northwestern. Building on this momentum, they followed it up with a resounding 86-70 victory over UCLA the very next day. Finally, they met Michigan State on March 15, managing to fend off the Spartans with grit and determination. Guard John Blackwell's performance stood out as he sunk two pivotal free throws with just 31.4 seconds left, giving Wisconsin the lead at 74-70.
"That's kind of the way it's been set up for us," senior guard Max Klesmit commented on the team's current form and drive. The Badgers are preparing to face their rival, Michigan, for the second time this season, having lost to them 67-64 earlier this year. Head coach Greg Gard noted the rivalry's intensity and expressed his respect for Michigan's program: "I've got great respect for Tom and his program. Looking forward to tomorrow." There’s no ignoring the history between these two teams, especially with the Badgers taking the title game against Michigan back in 2015.
Wisconsin's rise through the tournament highlights how they've consistently battled top-tier teams. Their most recent win against Michigan State not only secured their spot but also showcased their ability to perform under pressure, a characteristic they will need as they head to today’s championship matchup. The Badgers are now deemed to be 3.5-point favorites against the Wolverines, according to betting odds, with the over/under set at 149.5 points.
This year's NCAA Tournament poses another challenge for the Badgers, as seeds have not played out favorably for them. Despite their No. 3 seed, they've been placed away from home, which means travel can impact their performance. Their first-round opponent will be the No. 14-seed Montana on March 20, 2025. Subsequently, they may have to face either the red-hot No. 6-seed BYU or the strong mid-major No. 11-seed VCU.
Assessing the potential outcomes, sources analyze Wisconsin’s chances for deep runs. The Badgers have the ceiling of reaching the Final Four, possibly facing teams like Alabama and Duke en route to the championship. Still, others predict the most likely scenario is reaching the Sweet 16 but falling short against Alabama. BYU is notable for its recent hot streak, winning nine of its last ten games, making this matchup anything but straightforward. VCU, with their own powerful gameplay, only adds to the uncertainty.
Statistics from KenPom, which predicts efficiencies based on various metrics, have set the expected final score for the championship game at Wisconsin 78 and Michigan 74, attributing the Badgers with a 62% win probability. This highlights how evenly matched the teams could be.
The pressure is mounting for coach Gard and his players as they look to break past their previous obstacles and make their mark this tournament season. Gard's coaching record of 6-6 since joining the Badgers speaks volumes about the intense challenges this program faces. After the team's glory days of consecutive Final Four appearances in 2014 and 2015, many believe Gard is overdue for another deep run.
Fans and players alike are buzzing with excitement as they anticipate the Badgers' showdown against Michigan. For Klesmit and his teammates, the stakes could not be higher as they fight not just for the title, but also to solidify their status among collegiate basketball’s elite. Banners and trophies are within reach; it's just about seizing the moment on the court.
With these developments, the Wisconsin Badgers are poised for what promises to be thrilling contention, and as fans rally around their team, the hope remains palpable: they are set to carve their name on this year's tournament, fueled by every hard-fought victory achieved so far.
