The BYU Cougars held the lead from start to finish in their East Region Second Round showdown against Wisconsin, but it took a final defensive stand to secure a thrilling 91-89 victory on Saturday. With the win, BYU advances to the Sweet 16 for the first time since the days of Jimmer Fredette in 2011.
In a game filled with high-octane offense and dramatic twists, Wisconsin’s John Tonje nearly stole the show. The senior guard poured in 37 points, the most ever by a Badger in NCAA Tournament history, and led a desperate late-game rally. But in the final seconds, his fadeaway jumper fell short, allowing No. 6 seed BYU (26-9) to escape with the victory.
Richie Saunders spearheaded the Cougars’ attack, delivering 25 points and seven rebounds. The sophomore guard was instrumental in BYU’s ability to maintain its lead, which ranged between six and 14 points for most of the second half.
BYU’s NBA-style offense, under head coach Kevin Young, was in full effect. The Cougars shot an efficient 46% from beyond the arc, with Trevin Knell hitting four threes and finishing with 14 points. Freshman Egor Demin showcased his all-around skills, contributing 11 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
Trailing by 10 with just over three minutes left, No. 3 seed Wisconsin (27-10) made a furious push, sparked by Tonje. After BYU’s Dawson Baker was ejected for an intentional foul, Tonje hit a three, knocked down two free throws, and completed a three-point play, slicing the deficit to just two points.
With 13.5 seconds remaining, Wisconsin had one final chance. The ball found Tonje, but Mawot Mag played suffocating defense, forcing an off-balance airball that sealed the game for BYU.
One of the most decisive factors in the game was bench scoring—BYU’s reserves outscored Wisconsin’s 24-3. John Blackwell added 21 points for the Badgers, but the team struggled to get consistent production outside of him and Tonje.
The game also saw its fair share of controversy, featuring three technical fouls and Baker’s ejection. However, the NCAA quickly confirmed that Baker would not face suspension and will be available for BYU’s Sweet 16 matchup against either Alabama or Saint Mary’s in Newark on Thursday.
Adding to the drama, Keba Keita, a 39% free-throw shooter, shocked fans by swishing a crucial free throw with seven minutes left, helping BYU hold off Wisconsin’s comeback.
For BYU, this Sweet 16 appearance marks a major milestone as the Cougars aim to extend their March Madness run. With a high-powered offense and clutch performers, they’ll look to keep the momentum rolling against their next opponent.
And for BYU fans, there’s another reason to celebrate—thanks to Saunders’ NIL deal, everyone gets free Tater Tots after every March Madness win. The Cougars are back in the national spotlight. Can they keep their Cinderella run alive?
