BYU determined to ‘meet the moment’ in biggest basketball game in 14 years Saturday against Big Ten’s Wisconsin
DENVER — On the eve of the program’s most important game since 2011, BYU basketball players on Friday laughed at and joked with each other, while others in their locker room at Ball Arena playfully played media member for a bit and interviewed one another and still others drew goofy pictures on a whiteboard.
Meanwhile, at the dais in the traditional news conference held in between first- and second-round games, guards Trey Stewart and Dawson Baker said they celebrated the 80-71 win over VCU in an NCAA Tournament first-round game by heading to the swimming pool and hot tub at their hotel “with some of the (BYU) band,” according to Baker, who said the “conversation was great” and they learned that the band planned to go to the Denver Zoo on Friday.
“There’s a zoo?” asked Stewart, drawing laughter.
The exchange was a good indication of how loose and relaxed the Cougars (25-9) appear to be heading into Saturday’s 5:45 p.m. MDT Round of 32 game with third-seeded Wisconsin Badgers (27-9) in the tournament’s East Region.
The winner moves on to a Sweet 16 matchup in Newark, New Jersey, against the Alabama-Saint Mary’s winner.
It was like the weight of the world was lifted off their shoulders, star forward, “Tater Tot King” and amateur artist Richie Saunders said of getting the Big Dance breakthrough that came with BYU’s first NCAA Tournament win since 2012.
On a more serious note, fellow guard Dallin Hall said the Cougars “had a good dinner with the team” Thursday night, then spent some time with their families who attended the historic breakthrough and quickly turned their attention to the Badgers, who went 13-7 in the Big Ten before losing to Michigan in the conference championship game.
Wisconsin advanced Thursday by walloping Montana 85-66.
“We all told each other, like, this is great, but we have more work to do here,” Hall said, “so we quickly flipped the page, and we understood there is more for us to do in this tournament. Everyone has been pretty focused on Wisconsin since last night.”
Wisconsin’s news conference was far more businesslike, with guard John Blackwell and forwards Carter Gilmore and Nolan Winter saying the Badgers “chilled out” after winning on Thursday and mostly watched the other tournament games.
BYU is “a very tough team, well-coached,” Winter said. “They shoot the 3 at a very high level. It’s going to be a point of emphasis tomorrow to limit those.”
Later, when asked which Big Ten team BYU most plays like, Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said, “Ourselves, for one.”
Then Gard said he watched a few BYU games during the season because of the time zone difference and suggested Kevin Young’s team plays like Illinois, which also shoots a lot of 3s and has a lanky freshman point guard in 6-foot-6 Kasparas Jakucionis, who is “very similar to Denim (sic). I think BYU may even have more shooters than Illinois.”
BYUs Egor Demin had one of his best games of the season against VCU, scoring 15 points.
When it was suggested that BYU players seemed to be striking the right balance between lightheartedness and dialed in, Young said it is due to the group’s maturity and experience.
“I think our group does a good job of just balancing being serious-minded but not to the point where they get too tight,” Young said. “A lot of these guys have been here before. It is a balancing act, for sure, but I think it is important to not take things too seriously.”
In essence, BYU hasn’t been in this exact situation — a Round of 32 game — since 2011 when Dave Rose was the coach and Jimmer Fredette led the Cougars out of this very same arena in Denver (it was called the Pepsi Center back then) and to New Orleans with a 34-point performance in an 89-67 win over 11th-seeded Gonzaga.
BYU hasn’t defeated a single-digit seed in the tournament since Shawn Bradley led the 10th-seeded Cougars to a 61-48 win over seventh-seeded Virginia in 1991.
Saturday’s game against a well-known brand is one of those kind of games in which BYU has stumbled in the past, for whatever reason. The moment often proved to be too big for the program that competed in the WCC and, before that, the Mountain West.
What’s different about this group?
“I mean, you give (Wisconsin) their flowers, their respect as a program,” Stewart said. “But at the end of the day, it is just a basketball game. … One of the biggest things that bugged us when we were going into the Big 12 was we were asked how we would do against Kansas.
“We went and smacked them at their place,” he continued. “At the end of the day, we go with our brand of basketball. I’m definitely grateful that we get to play such high-level programs, but we are not going to put them on a pedestal. We’re going to play them like just another opponent.”
In the locker room Friday, as Saunders was drawing a hot air balloon on the whiteboard, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, freshman wing Kanon Catchings said growing up in Indiana taught him that “any team in the Big Ten is a tough team” but that the Cougars won’t be in awe of the Badgers.
“I feel like if we meet the moment ... and just come out ready to play and play our style of basketball, we will win the game,” said Catchings, who noted that he hasn’t decided yet whether he will enter the NBA draft, return to BYU or enter the transfer portal when the season does end.
Truly, while the BYU-VCU matchup was one of contrasting styles, the BYU-Wisconsin matchup pits teams who play similarly. The Cougars average 80.9 points per game, while Wisky averages 79.9.
Wisconsin is a 1.5-point favorite, despite being 3 seeds higher and having a 15 NET ranking; BYU’s NET ranking is 25.
The score will “probably be 50 to 48, one of those,” Gard said, in jest.
Said Young, regarding the similar styles: “I would imagine it would probably be a high-scoring game. Obviously we don’t want it to be. We’re locked in defensively on how we want to guard these guys, but they are impressive offensively. We’ve had some nights where we have been able to score as well. That’s where it is probably headed.”
-
Here's how you can watch Saturday's MSU-Wisconsin basketball game
Here's how you can watch Big Ten Tournament matchup between Michigan State and Wisconsin on SaturdayYahoo Sports - 6d -
Michigan basketball outlasts Wisconsin to take Big Ten tournament title game
Michigan basketball used its late-game magic once again on Sunday to outlast Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament title game.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Michigan State falls in Big Ten Tournament semis, 77-74, to Wisconsin
Wisconsin has ended Michigan State basketball's Big Ten Tournament run in the semifinal in a hard fought 77-74 gameYahoo Sports - 6d -
Michigan State basketball's Big Ten tournament run ends with 77-74 loss to Wisconsin
Michigan State basketball's Big Ten tournament came to an end Saturday with a loss to Wisconsin. Next up, the real March Madness.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Big Ten tournament semifinal prediction: Can Wisconsin basketball upset No. 1 seed Michigan State?
The Badgers face the Spartans in a Big Ten semifinal game at noon Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
What Michigan coach Dusty May said about Wisconsin basketball before Big Ten title game
The Wisconsin Badgers are set to face the Michigan Wolverines in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament championship game on Sunday afternoon.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
RECAP: Shooting woes plague Wisconsin in Big Ten Tournament title game loss to Michigan
Wisconsin basketball fell to the Michigan Wolverines 59-53 in the Big Ten Tournament title game on Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis, Indiana.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Can't Wait For Saturday A trip to Alabama makes Wisconsin's task more challenging
Mar. 17—*** The countdown continues. On Sunday, I rated Ohio State's nonconference schedule, which includes a home game against Texas, as the most difficult in the Big Ten. Up next ... 2. ...Yahoo Sports - 4d -
How to watch Michigan State-Wisconsin in the Big Ten basketball tournament, live stream, betting line
What you need to know to watch the MSU-Wisconsin Big Ten tournament semifinal on Saturday in Indianapolis.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
Takeaways from Wisconsin's thrilling Big Ten Tournament win over Michigan State
Wisconsin basketball advanced to the Big Ten Tournament final with a heart-stopping 77-74 win over Michigan State on Saturday.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
RECAP: John Tonje leads Wisconsin to thrilling Big Ten Tournament win over Michigan State
Wisconsin basketball defeated the Michigan State Spartans 77-74 in a Big Ten Tournament thriller on Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis, Indiana.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Tip time, TV channel announced for Wisconsin basketball March Madness second round vs. BYU
The No. 3-seed Wisconsin Badgers will continue their 2025 NCAA Tournament on Saturday with a second-round matchup against the No. 6-seed BYU CougarsYahoo Sports - 20h -
What channel is Wisconsin vs Michigan basketball on today in the Big Ten tournament? Time, TV, schedule, streaming, odds
It's Wisconsin vs Michigan in the Big Ten tournament championship. Here's how to watch, including time, TV schedule, livestreaming info and game odds.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Donaldson helps No. 22 Michigan rally late again to beat No. 18 Wisconsin 59-53 for Big Ten title
INDIANAPOLIS — Tre Donaldson and Vladislav Goldin each scored 11 points and No. 22 Michigan closed Saturday’s Big Ten Tournament championship game on an 11-2 run to beat No. 18 Wisconsin 59-53 and ...Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Was it a foul? You be the judge of controversial final play in MSU-Wisconsin game
Michigan State basketball's time in the Big Ten Tournament ended in controversy on Saturday afternoonYahoo Sports - 6d -
RECAP: Wisconsin basketball cruises to Big Ten Tournament win over Northwestern
The Wisconsin Badgers rolled to a 70-63 triumph over the Northwestern Wildcats in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday afternoonYahoo Sports - Mar. 13 -
Wisconsin basketball ties Big Ten Tournament record in win over UCLA
The Wisconsin Badgers made Big Ten Tournament history in their dominant 86-70 triumph over the UCLA Bruins on Friday.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
Wisconsin basketball's place in ESPN bracketology entering Big Ten Tournament title game
A final look at where Wisconsin basketball stands in ESPN's NCAA Tournament bracket projection.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Major takeaways from Wisconsin’s Big Ten Tournament win over Northwestern
Wisconsin basketball defeated Northwestern in the second round of the 2025 Big Ten Tournament on Thursday afternoon.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13 -
Takeaways from Wisconsin’s massive Big Ten Tournament win over UCLA
Wisconsin basketball rode a three-point barrage to a victory over UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal on Friday.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
RECAP: Wisconsin dominates UCLA in Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal
Wisconsin basketball advanced in the Big Ten Tournament with an 86-70 win over the UCLA Bruins on Friday.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
Big Ten tournament: Michigan's Tre Donaldson goes coast-to-coast to stun Maryland with 0.9 seconds left
The Wolverines will face Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
'We didn't do what we need to do to win the game' - Spartans talk loss to Wisconsin
Hear what Tom Izzo and a few of his players had to say following the loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament on SaturdayYahoo Sports - 6d -
Fans and media explode reacting to Michigan basketball winning Big Ten championship
Social media exploded after Michigan basketball took down Wisconsin to win the Big Ten Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Here's how you can watch Saturday's MSU-Notre Dame Big Ten Tournament hockey game
Michigan State hockey battles Notre Dame on Saturday in the Big Ten Tournament - here's how you can watch this matchupYahoo Sports - 6d -
BYU vs. Wisconsin Prediction: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends, and Stats for 2025 March Madness Round 2
BYU Cougars vs. Wisconsin Badgers Game PreviewYahoo Sports - 14h -
Michigan basketball hangs on to beat Maryland, advances to Big Ten Championship Game
Our full recap of the Wolverines' big win in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Houston vs. BYU odds, score prediction, time: 2025 Big 12 Tournament picks, March 14 best bets by proven model
SportsLine's model just revealed its NCAA Basketball picks for Houston Cougars vs. BYU Cougars on Friday in the 2025 Big 12 Tournament semifinalsCBS Sports - Mar. 14 -
Tonje scores 32 as No. 18 Wisconsin tops No. 7 Michigan St. 77-74 in Big Ten semis
John Tonje scored 32 points and grabbed seven rebounds to help No. 18 Wisconsin beat No. 7 Michigan State 77-74 on Saturday in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Takeaways as Illinois bounces Iowa basketball from Big Ten Tournament
Was this the end for Payton Sandfort and Fran McCaffery? The biggest takeaways from Iowa's loss vs. No. 25 Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
Three key stats that defined Wisconsin's Big Ten Tournament victory over Michigan State
Here are the major areas that defined Wisconsin's big win over Michigan State on SaturdayYahoo Sports - 6d -
Big Ten Tournament - Northwestern vs. Wisconsin Prediction: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends, and Stats
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Wisconsin Badgers Game PreviewYahoo Sports - Mar. 13 -
Big Ten Tournament - Wisconsin vs. UCLA Predictions: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends, and Recent Stats
Wisconsin Badgers vs. UCLA Bruins Game PreviewYahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
Big Ten Championship - Michigan vs. Wisconsin Predictions: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends, and Stats
Michigan Wolverines vs. Wisconsin Badgers Game PreviewYahoo Sports - 6d -
Prediction for Purdue basketball's Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal game vs. Michigan
The Boilermakers defeated USC on Thursday night to set up a third game this season against Michigan. Both teams won once during the regular season.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
Michigan outlasts Wisconsin in slugfest, wins 2025 Big Ten Tournament
The Michigan Wolverines have won the 2025 Big Ten Tournament. In a tight 59-53 affair, the Wolverines overcame poor shooting to claim the 2025 tournament crown. No Michigan player finished the ...Yahoo Sports - 5d -
‘They really punched us in the mouth’: BYU hasn’t forgotten first game against No. 2 Houston, an 86-55 loss
Shortly after BYU dumped Iowa State in a Big 12 tournament quarterfinal game Thursday, the blue-wearing Cougars turned their attention to the No. 2 team in the country, HoustonYahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
MSU expert columnist predicts MSU-Oregon game in Big Ten Tournament
Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal analyzes this Big Ten Tournament men's basketball matchup between Michigan State and Oregon.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13 -
Tonje spurs record-tying 3-point flurry as No. 18 Wisconsin beats UCLA 86-70 in Big Ten Tournament
John Tonje matched his career high with six 3-pointers on his way to 26 points, and No. 18 Wisconsin tied the Big Ten Tournament single-game record by making 19 3s in an 86-70 victory over ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Giants move at QB impacts Steelers plans
Steelers could sign Aaron Rodgers now that Giants off the marketYahoo Sports - 37m -
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE: Cricket score and updates from Pakistan in New Zealand 2025
Follow all the action from Bay OvalYahoo Sports - 37m -
Nebraska softball opens conference series against Minnesota with 8-0 shutout victory
Nebraska returned home to host Minnesota on Friday night. The Huskers shut down the Golden Gophers, delivering a swift 8-0 six-inning shutout win.Yahoo Sports - 51m -
Report: Steelers hosting Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing in power-running back Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit.Yahoo Sports - 51m -
Angel Reese offers advice to childhood friend playing in women's NCAA Tournament
Angel Reese isn't in the women's NCAA Tournament this year, but she offered advice to her childhood friend, Southern's Aniya Gourdine.Yahoo Sports - 51m
More in Sports
-
Giants move at QB impacts Steelers plans
Steelers could sign Aaron Rodgers now that Giants off the marketYahoo Sports - 37m -
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE: Cricket score and updates from Pakistan in New Zealand 2025
Follow all the action from Bay OvalYahoo Sports - 37m -
Nebraska softball opens conference series against Minnesota with 8-0 shutout victory
Nebraska returned home to host Minnesota on Friday night. The Huskers shut down the Golden Gophers, delivering a swift 8-0 six-inning shutout win.Yahoo Sports - 51m -
Report: Steelers hosting Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing in power-running back Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit.Yahoo Sports - 51m -
Angel Reese offers advice to childhood friend playing in women's NCAA Tournament
Angel Reese isn't in the women's NCAA Tournament this year, but she offered advice to her childhood friend, Southern's Aniya Gourdine.Yahoo Sports - 51m