INDIANAPOLIS — In a thrilling conclusion to the Big Ten Tournament on Saturday, No. 22 Michigan emerged victorious over No. 18 Wisconsin with a hard-fought 59-53 win. This triumph marked Michigan’s first tournament championship since 2018, as they closed the game on an impressive 11-2 run.
The Wolverines were led by standout performances from Tre Donaldson and Vladislav Goldin, each scoring 11 points. Donaldson, who amazed fans with a pivotal layup in the semifinals, also contributed eight assists in the final game. Freshman coach Dusty May guided Michigan to three consecutive wins over three days, earning a tournament title in his first season with the team. Goldin’s outstanding play throughout earned him the honor of being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
Wisconsin, still seeking their first tourney championship since 2015, saw a strong performance from John Blackwell, who put up 18 points. Max Klesmit added 12 points for the Badgers, while John Tonje chipped in with nine points alongside seven rebounds despite struggling with his shooting.
Both teams appeared fatigued after intense previous games. The Badgers began the second half with a 15-6 run, surging ahead with a 38-27 lead. Michigan, though, fought back, leveling the score at 45 after a crucial 7-0 spurt. Goldin capitalized on important free throws with just 46 seconds to play, breaking the deadlock and securing Michigan’s lead for the remainder.
A recap of notable elements from the game highlights Wisconsin’s shooting woes, as two days after equaling a tournament single-game record with 19 three-pointers, they managed a mere 15 of 68 from the field, shooting just 22%. The key moment that turned the tide was Donaldson’s critical three-pointer with 1:52 remaining, granting Michigan the lead. It provided them with the momentum and confidence to seal their triumph.
Looking ahead, both teams are on standby for their next challenges, awaiting their fate in the upcoming Selection Show. Michigan’s rebounding resilience late in the game was crucial in their victory, overcoming exhaustion to persevere. As the college basketball season progresses, fans will be keenly awaiting further updates and matchups for these resilient squads.
