The Wisconsin Badgers shot up to No. 10 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll after an impressive performance during the 2025 Big Ten Tournament, setting them up for a strong showing in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Following a successful 3-1 week in the tournament, which included vital victories over UCLA and Michigan State, Wisconsin made its mark, even though they faced a tough loss against Michigan in the title game.
Every game counts in this competitive landscape, and the Badgers certainly made waves with their quality wins. Their triumph over UCLA was particularly notable, as they tied a single-game Big Ten Tournament record by sinking 19 three-pointers during the match. Star player John Tonje demonstrated exceptional skills, leading the Badgers against the Bruins with 26 points off a perfect 6-of-6 from deep.
But Tonje wasn’t finished yet. He topped his previous performance with a staggering 32 points against Michigan State, making it the highest point total for a Badger in a Big Ten Tournament game. That effort was bolstered by a strong showing from bench forward Carter Gilmore, who added 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the victory over the Spartans.
Despite a disappointing loss to Michigan in the championship match, where the team suffered its worst shooting performance in a decade, the overall performance throughout the tournament warranted a significant jump in the rankings. As it stands, Wisconsin is now the second-highest ranked team from the Big Ten, only trailing Michigan State, which is currently ranked No. 7.
The Badgers have proven their potential in the NCAA landscape with an 8-8 record in Quad 1 wins before entering the tournament. With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, they are getting ready to face off against the No. 14-seeded Montana Grizzlies in the round of 64, kicking off on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. ET in Denver, Colorado.
In addition to their rise in the Coaches Poll, Wisconsin also climbed up to No. 13 in the AP Poll and No. 15 in the NCAA NET rankings following their performance last week. These rankings reflect not only the team’s hard work but also the strategy adjustments that head coach addressed in practice leading up to the big day.
With the stakes high and fans eagerly watching, Wisconsin will need to channel its successful tournament momentum into the NCAA match. If victorious against Montana, the Badgers will face either the No. 6 BYU or No. 11 VCU in the following round. This potential matchup could set the stage for another strong performance.
The road to the NCAA championship is paved with challenges, and the air is electric as Wisconsin enters this knockout stage. After a series of high-pressure games in the Big Ten Tournament, confidence is running high within the Badgers’ camp. “The Badgers’ performance has positioned us well for the upcoming NCAA Tournament,” said their head coach, encapsulating the team's excitement as they prepare to take on their next challenge.
After months of training, coaching strategy, and fostering team camaraderie, Wisconsin is set to demonstrate their resilience and determination — qualities that have defined their season. With the national stage set, all eyes are on this talented group of athletes as they vie for victory and strive to advance further into the tournament.
As the brackets are unveiled and predictions are made, fans are reminded of last season’s upsets and surprises, leading to millions of enthusiastic viewers tuning into this year’s tournament. The excitement peaks as Wisconsin joins the ranks of the best teams in college basketball, ready to show the nation what they’re made of.
The journey continues, and the determination is palpable. In a few days, the Badgers will have the chance to showcase all their hard work when they step onto the court against Montana. As the countdown begins and the atmosphere electrifies, supporters hope for another chapter of triumph in Wisconsin's rich basketball history.
