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 afternoon.
The Spartans had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds, but a block (or maybe steal) by Wisconsin star John Tonje sealed the victory for the Badgers. Michigan State starting point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. raced up the floor and attempted to put up a game-tying half-court shot but he was interrupted by Tonje on the play. It appeared Tonje was going for the foul to avoid the opportunity of Michigan State hitting a three to tie the game and send it to overtime, but no call was made as Fears flung the ball towards the hoop. Fears' shot didn't go in, and Michigan State is now heading home from the Big Ten Tournament.
The end of the game instantly sparked debate online and amongst those who watched the game on whether or not a foul should have been called. Included below is the final play from CBS Sports -- you can be the judge on whether or not Fears was fouled.
WISCONSIN HOLDS ON!@BadgerMBB gets a stop in the closing seconds and advances to the @BIgTen championship game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IlDzoaxg9x
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 15, 2025
From my point of view, this was a clear block, and honestly, an incredible play by Tonje. Maybe he got lucky in the sense that he was going for the foul and happened to get ball. But either way, this was the right call by the refs and an unfortunate ending to the Big Ten Tournament for Michigan State.
The good news, though, is that Michigan State is still positioned for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament that begins next week. The official bracket reveal will occur tomorrow evening, but the Spartans are essentially locked in as a No. 2 seed. So don't be too upset about this result as bigger games are coming soon for Michigan State.
Stay with Spartans Wire for additional coverage on this game and the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on Twitter @RobertBondy5.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Breaking down MSU-Wisconsin controversial ending
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