Wisconsin shoots its way into the Big Ten Tournament semifinals

Badgers post 86-70 victory over UCLA to earn spot in Big Ten Tournament semis

John Tonje reacts during Wisconsin's win over UCLA in the Big Ten Conference Tournament quarterfinals Friday. / Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Wisconsin men showcased the kind of superior shooting that can lead a team to a deep NCAA Tournament run on Friday.

Behind 19 made 3-pointers and 52 percent shooting overall from the field, the Badgers eliminated UCLA to advance to the Big Ten Conference Tournament semifinals, 86-70. Wisconsin will square off with top-seed Michigan State at noon Saturday on CBS. The Spartans topped Oregon, 74-64.

John Tonje had six of those 19 triples, finishing with 26 points to go along with nine rebounds and four assists. He was 9 of 10 from the field and buried all six of his 3-point attempts as the Badgers tied a tournament record for made triples.

"I voted for him for Player of the Year in the league. We had to rank them. I voted Tonje 1, Smith from Purdue 2. Very close, but I gave Tonje the nod. That's how good I think he is."

Mick Cronin on John Tonje

— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 14, 2025

John Blackwell contributed 18 points with five rebounds and four assists, making four 3-pointers. Six different Wisconsin players sank a shot from long-range.

For UCLA, Sebastian Mack had 18 and Kobe Johnson added 14 points. 

Wisconsin took control of the contest early, leading 49-28 at the break while showing no signs of fatigue despite playing for the third straight day. A dozen of those 3-pointers went in during the first half including a stretch of five straight that turned the game in favor of the Badgers.

The job isn’t finished pic.twitter.com/MJv7IhItTM

— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 14, 2025

During the regular season, Michigan State posted a victory over Wisconsin on its home floor.