In a thrilling and closely contested NCAA Tournament second-round matchup, the Wisconsin Badgers faced off against the BYU Cougars, ultimately falling short with a score of 91-89 on March 22, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver. This heartbreaking loss marked an abrupt end to Wisconsin's promising season, concluding with an overall record of 27-10.
The Badgers, who entered the tournament as a third seed, found themselves quickly on the back foot as BYU established an early lead that they would maintain throughout the game. The Cougars, led by a strong showing offensively and on the boards, jumped out to a double-digit advantage with 7 minutes and 53 seconds remaining in the first half. BYU's dominance was apparent as they secured an impressive 26 total rebounds, including nine on the offensive end, compared to Wisconsin's 14.
Wisconsin struggled notably on the free-throw line, a stark contrast to their reputation as the nation’s best free-throw shooting team. They managed to convert only 63% of their attempts from the charity stripe in the first half, leaving crucial points on the table when they needed them most.
The turning point of the first half came with just 20 seconds remaining. Wisconsin trailed by eight and had possession but made a critical error. Steven Crowl took an ill-advised jump shot with plenty of time left on the clock, which missed, allowing BYU to capitalize with a quick three-pointer that stretched the lead to 11 points just before halftime, sending the Badgers to the locker room down 47-36.
Despite the significant deficit, Wisconsin mounted a furious comeback late in the game. With just under two minutes remaining, the Badgers found themselves trailing by nine points. It was then that they began to claw their way back. Carter Gilmore converted an and-one layup, cutting the deficit to six at 89-83. BYU responded with two free throws, pushing the score to 91-83. But Wisconsin wasn’t finished yet; John Tonje nailed a three-pointer and then converted another and-one play to bring the Badgers within two at 91-89.
In the frantic final moments, Wisconsin had a chance to tie or even win the game. After securing a defensive rebound, the Badgers raced down the court with the ball, needing a basket. Tonje, who had been sensational throughout the evening, drove to the baseline but was unable to convert a contested jump shot, sealing Wisconsin's fate as the clock expired.
John Tonje finished the night with a staggering 37 points, becoming the first player to pass 30 points in this tournament. His remarkable performance included shooting 10-for-18 from the field and an impressive 14-of-16 from the free-throw line. The only other Badgers contributing significantly were John Blackwell, who added 21 points, and Steven Crowl, who put up 10.
BYU, achieving a milestone by advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011, received stellar performances across the board. Richie Saunders led the way with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Egor Demin had a near triple-double with 11 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. The Cougars shot a commendable 49.2% overall and were lethal from three-point range, hitting 12 of their 26 attempts (46.2%).
Following the game, reactions from fans and commentators poured in, reflecting a mix of disappointment and pride. While frustrations were evident regarding Wisconsin's ability to finish strong in crucial moments, sentiments highlighted how this season had been enjoyable overall, despite the disappointing exit.
Notably, the Badgers' bench was outscored 24-3, reflecting a significant area of struggle for Wisconsin. The lack of depth in scoring from reserves contrasted sharply with BYU’s contributions, showcasing the vital role of bench production in tournament play.
The aftermath of the game saw BYU celebrating its victory, harkening back to the glory days of their 2011 Sweet 16 appearance. “You watched the game, and you’re kind of like, ‘How did we get to a two-point game here?’” remarked former BYU player Jimmer Fredette from the stands. “But look, I think that describes this team.”
As the dust settles on a roller-coaster season, Wisconsin fans are left to ponder the ‘what-ifs’ in the aftermath of this heart-wrenching defeat. The poignant end to their run, coupled with highlights from the performances of players like Tonje, will fuel discussions and hope for an even brighter season ahead.
Wisconsin's loss stands as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of March Madness—a stage where giants fall and dreams are dashed, yet hope for better tomorrows remains. For BYU, their journey continues, as they set their sights on the next round against either Alabama or Saint Mary's, showcasing the resilience and tenacity that characterize the spirit of this year's tournament.
