The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Montana Grizzlies 85-66 on Thursday, moving on to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in a convincing fashion.
This week, there was significant discussion regarding the Badgers’ challenging situation with their tournament draw, compounded by a swift transition to high altitude after playing four games in the Big Ten Tournament.
However, the Badgers dismissed those concerns with their strong performance, finishing the game with a 19-point win, marking their second-largest victory margin in NCAA Tournament history.
Wisconsin showcased a well-rounded game, with five players scoring in double figures, led by John Blackwell, who netted 19 points. The bench also played a critical role, contributing 23 points, as the Badgers primarily relied on an eight-player rotation.
This season has been a remarkable journey for the Badgers, achieving 27 wins— a record for the team since the 2014-15 season when they earned a No. 1 seed and reached the NCAA Championship Game.
All-American John Tonje has also captured headlines with an impressive season, averaging nearly 20 points per game while being among the country’s most efficient players.
However, this Badgers squad has thrived on players understanding and adhering to their roles, as head coach Greg Gard and his team focused on reshaping the roster’s identity over the offseason to meet their needs.
