DENVER – BYU achieved a triumphant victory over Wisconsin with a 91-89 win, securing the Cougars their first Sweet 16 appearance since the Jimmer Fredette era in 2011. Despite leading throughout the game, BYU needed a crucial last-second defensive stop to fend off Wisconsin’s determined guard, John Tonje, who ended with 37 impressive points, the highest any player has scored in this year’s tournament.
Tonje, showcasing a fierce comeback towards the end, was crucial in narrowing the Cougars’ lead. Nevertheless, his final shot ended in a fadeaway airball, allowing BYU to hold their lead. “It became way closer than expected,” commented Jimmer Fredette, reflecting on the rollercoaster game he witnessed from the stands.
Richie Saunders led the Cougars with 25 points and seven rebounds. The sixth-seeded BYU now prepares to take on either Alabama or Saint Mary’s in Newark as they advance in the East Region. The Cougars maintained a steady lead, varying between six and fourteen points throughout most of the second half. However, the game dynamics shifted following the ejection of BYU’s guard Dawson Baker, after an elbowing incident involving Wisconsin’s Max Klesmit.
Seizing this shift, Tonje ignited Wisconsin’s rally by scoring a mix of a triple, free throws, and a three-point play, thus slicing down the deficit to two points. Yet, under the intense coverage of Mawot Mag, Tonje was denied a clean shot in the closing moments.
“We’ve trusted him with crucial plays,” said Wisconsin coach Greg Gard, emphasizing their strategy of placing the ball in Tonje’s capable hands. Despite their efforts, Wisconsin became the first Big Ten team to face defeat after the conference initially displayed a 10-0 winning streak.
Wisconsin’s John Blackwell added an effective 21 points, though BYU’s depth came through spectacularly, with their bench outscoring Wisconsin’s 24-3—highlighting one pivotal factor in the nail-biting conclusion.
Egor Demin, stepping up as a freshman from Russia, contributed significantly with near triple-double figures—11 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Trevin Knell also impressed, shooting 4-for-6 from beyond the arc and finishing with 14 points. The offensive strategy crafted by Coach Kevin Young, characterized by quick play, high 3-point attempts, plus dynamic players with shot-altering physical attributes, ultimately proved insurmountable for Wisconsin.
Despite the close final moments, as Coach Young admitted, “We knew we just needed that one critical stop.” In quick resolution post-game, the NCAA confirmed Baker will not face suspension, keeping him in line for the Sweet 16 match.
The game was also marked by controversies and technical deliberations, including a disputed technical against Mag for gesturing towards the scoreboard. Overall, the match ended with a tumultuous mix of three technical calls alongside Baker’s ejection.
In an interesting side note, Saunders, whose family invented the Tater Tot, offered a charming perk via an NIL agreement delivering free Tater Tots for all after a March Madness BYU victory. Keba Keita also fueled enthusiasm, hitting crucial free throws despite a modest average, cementing his contribution to BYU’s success.