DENVER — The University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team hadn’t won an NCAA Tournament game in three years. That drought is over after the No. 3-seeded Badgers rolled to an 85-66 victory over Montana in a first-round game Thursday afternoon at Ball Arena.
The Badgers' offensive balance against the Grizzlies was impressive. People are also reading... It was a relatively quiet day for John Tonje, even though the first-team All-Big Ten pick still finished with 15 points. But he had plenty of help. John Blackwell led the way with 19 points, while Steven Crowl added 18. The Badgers, who had five players reach double figures in scoring, shot 55.4% from the field and produced 1.25 points per possession in the game. It’s a hard group to stop when they’re playing so well together.
Montana had pulled to within 51-47 after a basket by Money Williams, and Grizzlies’ fans began to sense a potential upset. That’s exactly when Carter Gilmore provided a crucial response for the Badgers with big plays on both ends of the court. His 3-pointer extended Wisconsin’s lead back to seven points with 15:02 left. He then drew a charge on the ensuing possession, causing Montana standout Joe Pridgen to pick up his fourth foul. Gilmore's performance was solid, finishing the game with eight points and six rebounds.
There was discussion earlier in the season about who might be a surprising contributor come tournament time. Some had speculated whether junior forward Xavier Amos, who had previously struggled, might turn into the hero on this stage. While Amos might not have been a standout in this win, he delivered solid minutes off the bench, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds, and two blocks in just 13 minutes. It was a marked improvement that shown some real toughness in the paint, which had been a concern earlier in the season.
Despite the dominant offensive display from Wisconsin, there was a minor concern regarding defensive lapses; the Badgers allowed Montana to score 34 points in the paint. Coach Greg Gard reflected on both the positives and areas for improvement: “It’s good to start March Madness with an easy win,” he said. “When we got tested, we responded. But we need to be more consistent, especially as we progress.”
So what does the future hold for Wisconsin? March Madness has certainly begun on a positive note. With a matchup against either BYU or VCU on Saturday for an opportunity to advance to the Sweet 16, the Badgers’ strategy will be crucial. Gard understands the importance of prepping the team, stating, “Every match is a different challenge, and we need to be ready.”
This victory comes with significant momentum. The Badgers' last triumph in the tournament came in 2022 before a long stretch of less-than-favorable outcomes that had left the team craving victory. With a fully engaged roster and a supportive fanbase ready to rally them through the next round, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
In the end, this game didn’t just mark a tournament win; it reinvigorated a fan base and reignited hopes for a successful run in the NCAA Tournament. As the players reflect on their performance, they are reminded that every moment counts in the tournament, paving the way for their continued efforts against BYU or VCU.
Wisconsin now turns its attention to Saturday’s matchup, knowing that with a little faith and teamwork, they can stretch their path deep into March Madness.
