DENVER - The third-seeded Wisconsin Badgers positioned themselves firmly in the NCAA Tournament with a decisive win over the 14th-seeded Montana Grizzlies, claiming victory with a score of 85-66 at Ball Arena in Denver on March 20, 2025. This win marked Wisconsin's first-round advancement in the tournament, demonstrating their readiness to compete at a high level.
Leading the charge for the Badgers was John Blackwell, who scored a game-high 19 points, showcasing his scoring prowess with an impressive 7-for-9 accuracy on two-point attempts. Steven Crowl also delivered a significant performance, contributing 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting. The Badgers had a balanced attack, with John Tonje adding 15 points and Xavier Amos coming off the bench to contribute 11 points, along with four rebounds and two blocks in just 13 minutes of play.
Despite a valiant effort from Montana, which saw guard Kai Johnson leading their scoring with 14 points, the Grizzlies struggled to match Wisconsin's scoring efficiency. They managed only 39.7 percent shooting from the field, their lowest percentage recorded since January 18. Johnson and his teammate Te'Jon Sawyer each scored 15 points, but it was not enough to counter Wisconsin's powerful offensive display.
Montana started strong, initially taking a 3-2 lead in the opening minutes. However, Wisconsin quickly asserted their dominance and maintained control for most of the game. By halftime, Wisconsin had established a solid eight-point lead at 40-32, mainly fueled by their effective shooting and superior rebounding, dominating the boards 40-29.
As the second half unfolded, Wisconsin pushed their lead further. Early in the half, a three-pointer from Xavier Amos capped a 17-5 run, allowing the Badgers to pull ahead with a commanding 59-47 advantage. The Grizzlies attempted to close the gap and managed to pull within four points at 51-47 after a fast-break layup by Money Williams, but Wisconsin quickly countered with an 8-0 run that squashed any hopes of a comeback.
The Badgers showcased their depth and skill as they scored 38 points in the paint, continuously overwhelming the Grizzlies inside. Montana's offense, which had been so potent throughout the season, was contained as they struggled to find open shots, finishing with just 29.2 percent success from three-point range.
For Montana, the loss marked a disappointing end to a promising season, finishing with a 25-10 record and stalling their bid for an upset in the NCAA Tournament. Their efforts throughout the season were commendable, yet their inability to keep pace with Wisconsin illustrates the challenges of competing against a top-tier program.
Up next for the Badgers is an encounter against the winner of the match between sixth-seeded BYU and 11th-seeded VCU, scheduled for March 22, 2025. Wisconsin's efficient performance in this first-round matchup has fans optimistic about their chances as they continue their quest for the national title, demonstrating that they can perform under pressure and consistently execute their game plan against tough opponents.
In conclusion, Wisconsin's first-round victory isn't just a testament to their talent; it also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and discipline in high-pressure situations. As they prepare for the next challenge, the Badgers are looking to build on this momentum and make a significant impact in the remainder of the tournament.
