Madison, WI - After falling in the Big Ten Tournament championship on Sunday, March 16, 2025, the Wisconsin Badgers are off to Denver for their first-round NCAA Tournament game against the Montana Grizzlies. Marking the quick turnaround, Head Coach Greg Gard believes it could benefit his team, stating during a media conference, "Quick turn and go play, right? Don't dwell on, hey, we got to the championship game, we didn't get it done. Now let's go on to next week to play in another one." With a record of 26-9, the Badgers are gearing up for their NCAA Tournament matchup scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The University of Wisconsin men's basketball team arrived in Denver on Tuesday night, March 18, 2025. Following an intensive Big Ten Tournament, where they played four games in four days, the Badgers are ready to face the 14th-seeded Montana at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. Gard noted that despite the fatigue from the tournament, his team has maintained focus. He humorously commented on feeling under the weather, saying, "I got this cold going anyway. So I won't know if it's my cold or altitude."
Gard remained optimistic, explaining the importance of keeping their spirits high during the condensed schedule. “They had already watched,” he mentioned about his players, who were already discussing their upcoming competition during practice. En route to their hotel, players received access to film on Montana, indicating a proactive approach to preparing for the game.
Wisconsin, a No. 3 seed in the East Region, has a history of NCAA Tournament success, making it to the tournament in 24 of the last 26 years. Despite their difficult defeat in the Big Ten Championship, Gard emphasized the importance of appreciating the opportunity: “You've earned your right to be here, and let's keep advancing,” he expressed, inspiring his players to embrace the moment.
Looking ahead, the Badgers face the Montana Grizzlies in a classic No. 3 vs. No. 14 matchup, often ripe for upsets. The Grizzlies, holding a similar record of 25-9, present a tough challenge. Wisconsin will need to rely on its experience, as most of the team has faced NCAA Tournament pressure before, either in high school tournaments or during earlier college competitions.
In predictions leading up to the tournament, analysts see Wisconsin as a strong contender, with many placing them to advance past Montana and potentially face off against BYU and other top-seeded teams including Duke and Alabama. There is significant buzz surrounding the team's potential as they aim for their first Final Four trip in a decade. The road ahead is challenging, but previous experience in win-or-go-home scenarios gives the Badgers an edge as they embark on their March Madness journey.
The game against Montana marks a pivotal moment for the Badgers. With a blend of senior leadership and fresh talent, Gard’s coaching strategy will play a significant role in how the team performs. His insights and strategies from the past rounds guide the current group, aiming to build on their momentum and step beyond the first round.
As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, Wisconsin fans remain hopeful. Their presence at the games, alongside the anticipation of a thrilling bracket, cultivates an electric atmosphere. With the first game tipping off on Thursday afternoon, fans eagerly await the outcome of what could be a memorable tournament run for the Badgers.
Stay engaged with the latest from Wisconsin basketball by following updates through AllBadgers.com and Athlon Sports.
