Wisconsin Badgers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WSAU) — The Wisconsin Badgers held off Michigan State for a 77-74 win in the Big Ten Tournament Semifinals Saturday afternoon.
The Badgers led by as many as seven in the second half only to see the Spartans battle back to within one possession in the closing seconds. But Wisconsin managed to make enough free throws to earn the win.
That included a near-perfect day at the stripe from John Tonje, who finished 12-14 at the line and 8-15 from the field to finish with 32 points. The Senior added seven rebounds and two assists.
His 32-point outburst set a Badger program record for a Big Ten tournament game.
John Blackwell added 14 points and three rebounds. Carter Gilmore scored 10 points off the bench. Nolan Winter scored six but found himself in foul trouble throughout the game.
Jase Richardson paced Michigan State with 21 points.
It looked like MSU may get a chance to tie the game at the free-throw line on the final possession, but Jeremy Fears Jr failed to draw a foul on a last-second heave from near half-court. Replays showed Tonje managed to get a clean block on the shot, forcing the ball to come up well short of the basket. Carter Gilmore came down with the ball to solidify the win.
Wisconsin avenged a 62-71 loss at Michigan State 13 days ago. They’ll play for the Tournament Championship and the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament Sunday at 2:30 PM.
The NCAA Selection Show will follow that contest, where Wisconsin will learn their marching orders for the Division I MBB championship.
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