The NCAA tournament kicked off with an exciting first-round matchup as the 14th-seeded Montana Grizzlies faced off against the third-seeded Wisconsin Badgers at Ball Arena in Denver on March 20, 2025. The game, which aired on TNT, saw Wisconsin triumph with a convincing score of 85-66, marking the Badgers' first NCAA tournament win since 2022.
Montana entered the tournament with a strong performance after defeating Northern Colorado 91-83 to win the Big Sky Conference Tournament. With a 25-9 season record, they aimed to capitalize on this momentum, making their 13th NCAA Tournament appearance. Meanwhile, Wisconsin, sporting a 26-9 record after falling to Michigan in the Big Ten Conference final, was looking to assert themselves early in the tournament.
As the game unfolded, Wisconsin quickly established their dominance, leading 40-32 at halftime. Key players like John Blackwell, who led the scoring with 19 points, and Steven Crowl, who added 18 points, proved crucial for the Badgers. They exhibited a well-rounded attack, ultimately resulting in a total of five players scoring in double figures. In stark contrast, Montana struggled to keep pace despite strong efforts from Kai Johnson and Te'Jon Sawyer, both contributing 15 points for the Grizzlies.
The matchup was particularly notable as it marked the fourth meeting between the two teams, with Wisconsin historically holding a lead in their past encounters—having defeated Montana 73-49 in their last face-off back in 2012. Heading into this tournament, Wisconsin was a 16.5-point favorite, a status they underlined with their performance.
According to projections from SportsLine, a notable analytics model that accurately forecasts game outcomes, Wisconsin was expected not only to win but to do so convincingly, reflecting their sustained success in the NCAA tournaments with a strategy that has often paid off in high-stakes games.
In this matchup, Wisconsin's John Tonje stood out as a player to watch, averaging 19.2 points per game this season. His remarkable free-throw percentage of 90.8% placed him among the top shooters in the nation, adding a significant threat to the Grizzlies' defense. Alongside him, Blackwell’s dynamic scoring ability—demonstrated through efficient shooting and playmaking—further complicated Montana's game plan.
Montana's offense, while impressive in conference play, faced challenges against Wisconsin’s robust defense. The Grizzlies had won 14 of their last 15 games leading into the tournament and were hoping that their prolific scoring, largely driven by their backcourt, would shine through in this high-pressure environment.
Despite Montana’s recent success, the game illustrated the disparity in experience and depth between the two teams. The Badgers not only shot 55.4% from the field but also dominated the boards, clinching 40 rebounds compared to Montana's 29. Their collective shooting from the free-throw line (80%) illustrated their efficiency and discipline under pressure.
As the second half progressed, Montana managed to cut the deficit to four points early, tapping into their three-point shooting to stay competitive. However, the Badgers quickly countered, restoring their lead with a series of balanced attacks and key defensive stops. At the final buzzer, Wisconsin secured their victory with a score of 85-66, confirming their progress to the next round against either BYU or VCU.
With this victory, Wisconsin Advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament, looking forward to further challenges ahead. The Badgers will need to carry this momentum into their next game, aiming for their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017. On the other hand, the Grizzlies, despite their efforts, will reflect on a promising season that showcased their capabilities, even as they fell short in this critical matchup.
As fans parse through this exciting tournament, the prospect of upsets and inspiring performances continues to electrify March Madness. Each game highlights the unpredictable nature of college basketball, bringing both seasoned teams and newcomers into the spotlight. For fans of this thrilling sport, the journey is just beginning, and each contest promises to deliver unforgettable moments.
