The 2024-25 Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball season came to an end in the round of 32, falling to Brigham Young University 89-91 on March 22. They beat Montana 85-66 in the first round but failed to reach the second weekend of March Madness for the eighth straight season.
Wisconsin hasn’t made it to the Sweet 16 since 2017. They seemed destined to end the drought this year, but they fell short yet once again.
Their tournament run had its highs and lows, leaving plenty to reflect on. Here are the takeaways from Wisconsin’s performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Offense bounces back
The Badgers found their offensive footing after their disaster-class against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament championship game. The team shot 48.7% from the field and 32.8% from beyond the arc throughout the NCAA Tournament, a good bounce-back from their performance against the Wolverines. In the first round, the Badgers controlled the game the whole way through, pulling away late after the Grizzlies tried to mount a couple of runs.
John Blackwell had a standout tournament performance, totaling 40 points on 50% shooting and 30% from the 3-point line. He also notched 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Blackwell took a monumental step forward in year two with the Badgers, and he has a bright future, whether it be in Madison next year or in the NBA.
Steven Crowl also had a nice tournament, posting 28 points across two games. He had a sensational performance in the first round, hitting on a staggering 80% of his field goal attempts, including 66.7% on 3-pointers.
Mas Klesmit proved how valuable he is to the team during the postseason. The Badgers struggled offensively during his absence at the end of the regular season, but they finished strong outside of the lone dud against Michigan. While his box score numbers don’t necessarily back it up, Klesmit’s presence as a leader both on the court and in the locker room allows Wisconsin to play its best basketball.
This Badgers offense was one of the best in program history, and they regrouped nicely after a deflating loss in the Big Ten Championship game.
Defensive collapse
Wisconsin’s defense was the team’s X-factor heading into the tournament, and it was ultimately its downfall.
They did a solid job keeping Montana at bay, but that was expected. They knew they had to play their best ball against BYU, and they completely missed the mark. The Badgers had their worst defensive performance of the year, allowing a season-high 91 points. Wisconsin could not stop BYU’s Richie Saunders, who recorded 25 points on 56.3% shooting and 75% from deep. The Cougars’ offensive unit had their way against the Badgers, shooting nearly 50% from the field. There were absolutely no answers for the Cougars’ offense, and it cost them a trip to the Sweet 16.
The Cougars took the lead from the jump and never let go of it, despite the Badgers’ numerous efforts to claw their way back into the game. Wisconsin mounted a furious comeback late in the game, coming within two points and having a chance to take the lead with the last possession of the game. John Tonje got the ball but missed his game-tying attempt, and Wisconsin’s sensational season ended in utter heartbreak.
Since their win over Arizona in November, the Badgers hadn’t allowed more than 88 points. Their defense collapsed at the worst possible time, and the efforts from the offense were, unfortunately, in vain.
John Tonje’s heroics
Tonje shined on the biggest stage of college basketball. He scored a whopping 52 points in his two games played and was the tournament point leader through the first two rounds.
Tonje shot 40% from the field and 50% from 3 in the first round against Montana, scoring 15 points on top of four rebounds and an assist. The star guard had a solid outing, but considering the types of performances we’ve seen him have, it was a relatively underwhelming performance for the second-team All-American.
Tonje really lit up the floor against BYU. The Cougars were scoring at will, and the Badgers leaned on their superstar to keep them in the game. Tonje played arguably the best game of his career, setting a program record for most points in a tournament game with 37 and recording his sixth 30-point game of the season, also a program record. He shot 55.6% from the field and 33.3% from deep after going 0-4 in the first half.
The Tonje experience this season was fun to watch. He was electrifying on the court and put the NCAA on notice with his 41-point statement performance against Arizona. He was a budding March Madness legend, and he definitely could have if the Badgers advanced past BYU. It’s a shame we won’t get to see him in a Wisconsin uniform again — but don’t be sad because it’s over, smile because it happened.
While it wasn’t the March Madness tournament Badgers fans hoped for this season, there is no doubt that this Wisconsin team was a special group to watch. The camaraderie between the players showed on the court all season long, and it showed again in an emotional locker room following their heartbreaking loss to BYU.
“We had something special in this locker room,” said Klesmit.
“This was my favorite year of college basketball. I’ve never cried after a basketball game until today,” said Tonje, reflecting on his season and career. “It was a blessing to be here.”
“You had your brothers’ backs and they had yours, that’s just what I’ll remember the most,” added Carter Gilmore.
For these players, especially the seniors, it was more than just a game. They left it all on the line this season, and the emotions after the loss are a testament to their hard work.
With many key players leaving this offseason, the road ahead remains uncertain. But, if this program has proved anything, it’s that Wisconsin basketball always finds a way to reload and compete.
