On Saturday, March 15, 2025, No. 18 Wisconsin defeated No. 7 Michigan State 77-74 in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament, marking the end of the Spartans' tournament run amid controversy. The game, notable for its nail-biting finish, showcased the prowess of Wisconsin's John Tonje, who scored 32 points and made several pivotal plays, including the decisive block on Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr.'s last-second heave.
The thrilling contest was tightly contested, reflecting both teams' competitive spirit. Michigan State, riding high on an eight-game winning streak and boasting a strong season record of 27-6, had previously defeated Wisconsin 71-62 just weeks prior. The stakes were high, with the winner advancing to the tournament finals and both teams aiming for favorable seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Michigan State had initially taken control of the game, demonstrating strong shooting efforts. The Spartans began with confidence, hitting their first three attempts from beyond the arc, establishing an early lead. Unfortunately, as the game progressed, the Spartans' offense encountered difficulties. After taking a 30-25 lead with just over five minutes left in the first half, they missed their final six shots, allowing Wisconsin to capitalize and narrow the gap, eventually leading by four points at halftime.
Wisconsin, led by Tonje, surged during the second half, erasing a 45-41 deficit with an impressive 11-0 run. The game turned pivotal as MSU's Tre Holloman received a technical foul, which Wisconsin capitalized on with both Tonje's free throw and subsequent field goals, shifting momentum significantly.
The Spartans managed to claw back, reducing the deficit, but key moments, including foul trouble to players like Jaxon Kohler, hindered their efforts. Coach Tom Izzo lamented postgame about mistakes made at decisive moments, stating, "We could have done some things to give ourselves a chance... you can’t make mistakes...so we’ll see what we can learn from this game."
The game reached its climax when, with just seconds remaining, Fears attempted to tie the score with a three-point shot, only to be blocked cleanly by Tonje, sealing his team's victory. Controversy erupted over the no-call on what many spectators believed should have been a foul, with Izzo and his players voicing their discontent. "Somebody told me it was clean, but we lost the game before...so why should I be mad for things we did wrong earlier?" Izzo remarked, highlighting the complexity of emotions during such high-stakes matchups.
Despite the loss, the Spartans remain optimistic about their NCAA Tournament prospects. They are projected to secure a high seed, likely cementing their position as No. 2 heading toward March Madness. The official bracket reveal is scheduled for March 16, 2025, and players like Jase Richardson expressed determination moving forward: "We can dwell on the game for right now, but once we leave this arena, we've got to move on. We know March Madness is going to be difficult...everyone wants to win the national title."
Meanwhile, Wisconsin will look to clinch their first Big Ten title since 2015, already setting their eyes on the championship game against either Maryland or Michigan. Wisconsin's performance not only exhibits their resilience throughout the tournament but also piques interest as potential NCAA contenders.
The closing moments encapsulate the tension and unpredictability of college basketball — every shot and call matters. The road to March Madness continues for both teams as they adapt and learn from the highs and lows of postseason play.