The Wisconsin Badgers, entering the NCAA Tournament as a No. 3 seed with a 27-9 record, have consistently demonstrated a blend of disciplined defense and efficient offense under the guidance of head coach Greg Gard. Their journey to the second round was marked by a commanding 85-66 victory over Montana, where their defensive prowess and offensive execution were on full display. The Badgers have been particularly effective in controlling the pace of games, often dictating a slower tempo that forces opponents to operate in half-court sets, thereby minimizing transition opportunities and capitalizing on their defensive strengths. Offensively, Wisconsin averages 79.9 points per game, employing a methodical approach that emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and high-percentage shots. Their offense is orchestrated by standout guard John Tonje, a first-team All-Big Ten performer, who has been instrumental in clutch situations, particularly evident in their semifinal victory over Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament. Tonje’s ability to navigate defenses, coupled with his scoring versatility, makes him a focal point of Wisconsin’s offensive strategy. Complementing Tonje is forward Steven Crowl, whose presence in the paint adds a layer of complexity for opposing defenses, as he effectively utilizes his size and footwork to create scoring opportunities. Defensively, the Badgers are known for their structured man-to-man coverage, often switching strategically to close out on shooters and prevent easy perimeter looks, allowing just over 70 points per game while maintaining one of the nation’s lowest foul rates—an advantage that helps keep their core players on the floor and out of early trouble. Wisconsin’s ability to rotate cleanly, communicate on screens, and stay disciplined without overcommitting makes them especially difficult to rattle, and that structure becomes even more valuable in high-pressure tournament settings where erratic play can lead to big momentum shifts.

Another hallmark of this Badgers squad is their consistency in rebounding; they average nearly 36 boards per game and excel in boxing out, with Crowl and Tyler Wahl anchoring the paint while guards like Chucky Hepburn contribute significantly to team rebounding efforts. In terms of depth, Wisconsin has one of the most reliable second units in the tournament, with Max Klesmit and Connor Essegian providing not only scoring punch but also defensive pressure and ball security when Tonje or Hepburn rest. Offensively, they shoot a respectable 36% from beyond the arc and are especially dangerous in late-clock situations due to their calm execution and veteran savvy. They enter their matchup against BYU with confidence not only because of their first-round performance but also due to a season filled with battles against physical, perimeter-oriented teams in the Big Ten—preparing them well for BYU’s high-octane offensive scheme that relies heavily on spacing, ball reversals, and perimeter shot-making. From a coaching perspective, Greg Gard’s postseason experience gives Wisconsin a strategic edge, as he’s consistently demonstrated the ability to make timely adjustments and prepare his teams for different tempos and game scripts, which will be crucial against a BYU squad that can heat up quickly from the outside and go on big runs if left unchecked. The game plan will likely emphasize defending the three-point line, slowing BYU’s guards in transition, and attacking mismatches inside where Crowl and Wahl can operate effectively against smaller defenders. Wisconsin has also been strong at the free throw line this season, converting at nearly 78%, giving them a reliable closing tool in tight games—a potential difference-maker if this contest comes down to the wire as many second-round matchups often do. While they are slight favorites in the betting market, the Badgers are well aware of the explosiveness BYU brings and will need to execute with the same level of focus and physicality that carried them through a strong Big Ten schedule. With their combination of experience, balance, defensive integrity, and offensive discipline, Wisconsin is built for deep tournament runs, and if they can impose their methodical pace and force BYU into tough shots early, they’ll be in excellent position to book a trip to the Sweet 16 and continue asserting themselves as one of the tournament’s most composed and complete teams.