Mar 15, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) celebrates after making a three-point basket through the first half in opposition to the Michigan State Spartans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Obligatory Credit score: Robert Goddin-Imagn Photos John Tonje poured in 32 factors as No. 18 Wisconsin snapped No. 7 Michigan State’s eight-game successful streak with a 77-74 Massive Ten match semifinal victory Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis.
Tonje delivered 11 factors in 5 minutes throughout a defining second-half stretch for the Badgers (26-8), who superior to the title sport because the No. 5 seed for the second 12 months in a row. They’ll face No. 22 Michigan, who rallied to beat No. 11 Maryland 81-80 within the different semifinal matchup.
John Blackwell added 14 factors. Carter Gilmore contributed 10, 5 assists and three blocks, together with a vital rejection within the last seconds off the bench for Wisconsin.
Freshman Jase Richardson paced top-seeded Michigan State (27-6) with 21 factors and 7 rebounds. Jeremy Fears Jr. added 14 factors and 6 assists and Tre Holloman scored 10.
Michigan State darted to a 13-4 lead within the first 4 minutes as Richardson and Jaden Akins drilled back-to-back 3-pointers. The Spartans hit their first three 3-pointers, whereas the Badgers missed 4 of their first 5. Nevertheless, the tide progressively turned as the primary half wore on.
Michigan State went 1-for-7 from lengthy vary for the remainder of the half because the Spartans scored simply 9 factors within the last 10 minutes. The Badgers lastly took their first lead, 35-33, when Steven Crowl swished a 3-pointer with 1:12 left. Tonge, who led all scorers with 13 within the first half, added two free throws to provide Wisconsin a 37-33 halftime edge.
The Spartans pushed the tempo early within the second half and went on a 12-2 spree — capped by Coen Carr’s slam of a Fears lob that gave them a 45-41 lead with 15:55 to play.
Tonje stopped Michigan State’s run with a fadeaway. Then, because the groups headed to their benches for a media timeout, Holloman stopped by Wisconsin’s huddle to jaw. He was given a technical that sparked an 11-0 Badgers run.
Tonje sank each technical free throws, then canned a 3-pointer. Gilmore drove from the highest of the important thing for a ferocious two-handed slam, then Tonje plowed into site visitors for a layup that moved their result in 52-45 with 12:51 to go.
Then either side began hitting huge pictures. The Spartans solid a 60-60 tie on Richardson’s three free throws with 6:18 to go, however Blackwell answered with a bodily drive for a 3-point play and Michigan State by no means caught up once more.
The Spartans bought as shut as 75-74 on Fears’ pair of free throws with 14.9 seconds to go, however Tonje swished two free throws. Holloman tried to tie it with a 3-pointer on the high of the important thing, however Gilmore flew out to tip the shot.
Tonje missed his first two free throws of the evening and Fears steamed up the ground, however Tonje reached in and stripped the ball as Fears tried a 35-foot runner simply earlier than the horn.
–Subject Degree Media
