INDIANAPOLIS — In a thrilling matchup, John Tonje shone brightly, scoring 32 points and pulling down seven rebounds to lead the No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers to a narrow 77-74 victory over No. 7 Michigan State in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament on Saturday.
John Blackwell contributed 14 points for Wisconsin, which improved its record to 26-8. This win marked the Badgers’ third victory in just four days, setting them up for a clash against either No. 11 Maryland or No. 22 Michigan in the championship game on Sunday.
For Michigan State, Jase Richardson led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Jeremy Fears Jr. added 14 points and six assists. Unfortunately for the Spartans, who finished the regular season as champions, a late-game turnover prevented them from tying the game as the clock wound down.
Wisconsin demonstrated impressive resilience by overcoming a 45-41 deficit with an 11-0 scoring run in the second half. Though the game was tense, the Badgers managed to score four consecutive points late, taking a 72-67 lead with just over a minute remaining.
Key Takeaways:
- Wisconsin: The Badgers proved they could excel not just in high-scoring games, but also in intense, defensive battles. Tonje’s standout performance could position Wisconsin as a surprise contender in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
- Michigan State: After a strong winning streak, the Spartans faced their first setback in eight games. This loss could potentially affect their seeding in the NCAA tournament, although an extra day of rest might work in their favor.
Key Moment:
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Tonje missed a crucial 3-pointer with 34 seconds left. Blackwell attempted to secure the rebound but was fouled by Jaden Akins. Blackwell calmly sank both free throws, extending the Badgers’ lead to 74-70.
Key Stat:
Wisconsin capitalized at the free-throw line, making three more than Michigan State, with a final tally of 22 to 19.
Upcoming:
The Badgers are aiming for their first Big Ten Tournament title since 2015, seeking the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament that comes with it. Meanwhile, the Spartans will await news regarding their upcoming tournament placement on Sunday.
