Three Key Facts About BYU’s NCAA Opponent: Wisconsin Badgers
BYU basketball is set to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
This marks BYU’s first appearance in the Round of 32 since 2011.
The Badgers, who finished tied for fourth in the Big Ten Conference, are the No. 3 seed in the East Region. This is their first time reaching the second round of the “Big Dance” in three years.
Here are three important things to know about the 27-9 Wisconsin Badgers, who secured an 85-66 victory over No. 14 Montana in the opening round to set up their matchup with BYU.
Top 25 in Both Offensive and Defensive Efficiency
Wisconsin boasts a well-rounded team on both offense and defense. The Badgers are ranked No. 13 in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency and No. 24 in defensive efficiency.
This is Wisconsin’s strongest offense since their National Championship appearance in 2015.
The Badgers did experience a slight offensive slump in the Big Ten Tournament Championship against Michigan, scoring only 53 points. However, it was their fourth game in as many days.
In the first-round victory over Montana, Wisconsin scored 85 points.
One unique feature of Wisconsin’s offense is their big men who are capable of hitting three-pointers.
Senior 7-footer Steven Crowl contributed 18 points, including two 3-pointers, in the Montana win. His frontcourt teammate, 6-foot-11 Nolan Winter, has made a three in five of Wisconsin’s last six games.
Wisconsin Star John Tonje Earns All-American Honors
Sixth-year senior guard John Tonje is the leader of the Wisconsin Badgers. The former Colorado State Ram and Missouri Tiger is wrapping up his college career with Wisconsin.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 218 pounds, Tonje is averaging 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game this season. He’s shooting 46% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc.
Tonje has had five games this season with over 30 points, including a 41-point performance against Arizona last November.
Alongside Tonje, keep an eye on Honorable Mention All-Big Ten player John Blackwell. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard is also effective on the boards, averaging 5.1 rebounds per game.
Badgers Have Confidence in Their Depth
Although Wisconsin doesn’t rely on an 11-man rotation like BYU, they still feel confident in their eight-man rotation.
In Thursday’s win over Montana, Wisconsin received 11 points from Xavier Amos, a transfer from Northern Illinois, off the bench.
Additionally, sixth-year senior Carter Gilmore contributed another eight points.
