Wisconsin Upsets Michigan State in Tense Big Ten Semifinal Showdown

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — No. 5 Wisconsin pulled off a dramatic upset against top-seeded Michigan State in a thrilling Big Ten Tournament semifinal at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon, winning 74-77.

The game was tightly contested and full of tension, with the final seconds proving to be particularly chaotic. Michigan State’s Tre Holloman had a critical opportunity to tie the game with a three-pointer that was blocked by Wisconsin’s Carter Gilmore. Following that, John Tonje, who scored a stunning 32 points for the Badgers, missed two free throws that could have sealed their victory earlier, leaving the Spartans with one last chance to even the score.

The Spartans, now 27-6 on the season, faced a heartbreaking end to an eight-game winning streak. They await their seeding for the NCAA Tournament, the bracket of which will be revealed Sunday at 6 p.m.

Jase Richardson led Michigan State with 21 points and had seven rebounds, while his teammate Jeremy Fears Jr. contributed 14 points and six assists. Holloman struggled offensively, shooting just 3-of-12 from the field but managed to score 10 points. Carson Cooper added eight points and ten rebounds, and Jaxon Kohler scored seven while also contributing critical rebounds.

The Badgers disrupted the usual rhythm of the Spartans, effectively limiting Jaden Akins to only six points on 2-of-8 shooting. This defensive achievement was pivotal in leading to their victory.

John Blackwell, a Bloomfield Hills native and Birmingham Brother Rice graduate, played a significant role for the Badgers, contributing 14 points, four of which came in clutch moments during the final two minutes of the game. Gilmore added ten points to Wisconsin’s total.

Wisconsin’s victory comes after a successful run through the tournament, having previously defeated Northwestern and UCLA. They will face the winner of Saturday’s other semifinal in the championship game scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on CBS.

In their earlier matchup during the regular season on March 2, Michigan State defeated Wisconsin 71-62, where Tonje had a quiet performance with just 11 points. However, today he was a different player, consistently finding ways to score and keep Wisconsin in the game.

The game took an unexpected turn when Michigan State’s Holloman received a technical foul after unintentionally walking through Wisconsin’s huddle. This ignited a spark in the Badgers, allowing Tonje to convert the technical free throws along with a three-pointer, contributing to a pivotal 11-0 run that changed the dynamics of the game.

Spartan head coach Tom Izzo noted after the game how crucial each play was in determining the game’s outcome. “We had chances,” he said. “But the momentum shifts were just too much to handle today.”

As the Spartans return home to await their NCAA Tournament fate, Wisconsin will gear up for what they hope will be their first Big Ten Championship title.