The NCAA Tournament is heating up as the Wisconsin Badgers prepare to face the BYU Cougars in the second round. This exciting matchup will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Both teams are vying for a coveted spot in the Sweet 16, adding to the intensity as they both come off strong performances in the first round.
The No. 3-seed Wisconsin Badgers (27-9) dominated their first matchup against the 14-seed Montana, posting an 85-66 victory. The Badgers showcased a balanced attack, led by star guard John Tonje, who has been a key contributor to their success this season. Tonje is averaging 19.1 points per game and has a reputation for stepping up in crucial moments, making him a player to watch as Wisconsin aims to move past BYU and further into the tournament.
Meanwhile, the No. 6-seed BYU Cougars (25-9) also performed admirably in their first-round game, defeating VCU with a score of 80-71. The Cougars’ impressive performance not only highlighted their offensive prowess but also marked their first trip to the Round of 32 since 2011. Leading the charge for BYU is Richie Saunders, who averages 16 points per game and has demonstrated a knack for scoring from beyond the arc, shooting 42.4% from three-point range.
Delving deeper into team stats, Wisconsin currently boasts the No. 13 efficiency offense and the No. 24 efficiency defense, according to KenPom’s rankings. This efficiency is significant, as it reflects both their ability to score and their proficiency at stifling opponent scoring efforts. On the other hand, BYU ranks even higher offensively at No. 9, but they struggle defensively, ranked at No. 69. This sets the stage for an interesting clash of styles, as BYU’s strength lies in their explosive scoring capability while Wisconsin’s success is rooted in their balanced approach to offense and defense.
Both teams are high-scoring, with Wisconsin averaging 79.9 points per game and BYU slightly ahead at 80.8 points per game. The matchup is expected to feature a multitude of three-point attempts, with Wisconsin shooting 47.9% of their shots from long range, ranking them 19th nationally, while BYU is even more prolific, shooting 48.3% of their attempts from three, placing them 15th in the nation.
As the teams prepare for their big game, each squad has key players who could change the course of the game with standout performances. Wisconsin will depend on Tonje and center Steven Crowl, who had an impressive outing against Montana, scoring 18 points and hitting two three-pointers. Forward Nolan Winter is also a notable contributor, providing solid play in the frontcourt.
For BYU, along with Saunders, players like Egor Demin and Trevin Knell will play instrumental roles in maintaining the offensive rhythm. Demin, shooting well from the field, complements Saunders's scoring ability and will be vital in opening up opportunities against a challenging Wisconsin defense.
The betting landscape reflects the competitive nature of this game. Wisconsin is slight favorites by 1.5 points, with a moneyline of -118 for the Badgers and -102 for BYU. Additionally, the over/under for total points is set at 155.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.
As these two teams prepare to clash, the stakes couldn't be higher. Wisconsin's deep tournament experience will be pitted against BYU's desire to make a statement. Although Wisconsin carries a slight edge according to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, which gives them a 53% chance of winning, BYU's recent performances suggest they are more than capable of pulling off the upset.
In conclusion, the second-round NCAA Tournament game between Wisconsin and BYU promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams working towards advancing further into the tournament. Fans can tune in to CBS at 7:30 PM ET to catch this highly anticipated battle, which will likely hinge on the teams' abilities to execute their offensive strategies while trying to control the pace of play. Expect an electric atmosphere as both teams vie for that coveted spot in the Sweet 16!
