For the first time since 2011 versus Gonzaga, BYU is playing a round of 32 game in the NCAA Tournament. Wisconsin, meanwhile, is going for their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017 after an 85-66 win over Montana. Both teams scored 80+ in their first round game in what could foreshadow a high-scoring game between two of the nation’s best offenses.

You can also check out the Rise and Hoop Podcast where I previewed BYU-Wisconsin.

BYU and Wisconsin by the Numbers

Wisconsin KenPom: 13

NET: 15

AP Rank: 13

Record: 27-9 (13-7 Big 10)

Notable Wins: Arizona (H), UCF (N), PItt (N), Iowa (H/A), Rutgers (A), Minnesota (H/A), Ohio State (H), USC (A), Nebraska (H), Northwestern (A/N), Indiana (H), Purdue (A), Illinois (H), Washington (H), Michigan State (N), UCLA (N), Montana (N)

Losses: Michigan (H/N), Marquette (A), Illinois (A), UCLA (A), Maryland (A), Oregon (H), Michigan State (A), Penn State (H)

BYU KenPom: 23

NET: 25

AP Rank: 17

Record: 25-8 (14-6 Big 12)

Notable Wins: NC State (N), Wyoming (N), Arizona State (H/A), Oklahoma State (H), Colorado (A), Cincinnati (H), Baylor (H), UCF (A), West Virginia (A), Kansas State (H), Kansas (H), Arizona (A), West Virginia (H), Iowa State (A/N), Utah (H), VCU (N)

Losses: Ole Miss (N), Providence (A), Houston (A/N), Texas Tech (H), TCU (A), Utah (A), Arizona (H), Cincinnati (A)

KenPom Prediction: Wisconsin 76, BYU 74 — Wisconsin 58% win probability

FanDuel Spread: Wisconsin -1.5

Point Total: 154.5

Wisconsin Overview

The Badgers are one of the best offensive teams in the nation. The top player to watch is sixth-year senior John Tonje, who was one of two unanimous First-Team All Big 10 selections. The 6-foot-5 guard averages 19 points and 5 rebounds on 46% shooting from the field and 39% from three. Tonje can score in a variety of ways — he averages 6 three-point attempts per game and is adept at drawing fouls and getting to the line. Tonje is 34th nationally in fouls drawn per 40 minutes, and averages 6.5 free throw attempts per game and shoots 91% from the foul line. I believe Tonje is the best guard BYU will have seen up to this point. VJ Edgecombe is a top 5 pick and played great versus BYU, but isn’t as productive as Tonje, and Caleb Love isn’t as consistent Tonje.

Wisconsin’s three starting guards go 6-foot-5, 6-foot-4, and 6-foot-4. John Blackwell is the Badgers second-leading scorer at 15.6 ppg and forms a great duo with Tonje. The sophomore guard shoots 32% from distance and is more streaky than Tonje, but he’s had multiple games this year where he’s made 4+ threes.

What makes Wisconsin different than any other team BYU has seen is the skill set of their starting frontcourt. UW’s two frontcourt starters are 7-foot fifth-year senior Steven Crowl and 6-foot-11 sophomore Nolan Winter. Both players average just under 10 points per game and are adept three-point shooters. Crowl shoots 42% from three on two attempts per game and Winter shoots 37% from three on 2.6 attempts per game. BYU has not seen a frontcourt with that size AND ability to shoot from three.

Wisconsin doesn’t really rely much on their bench for scoring, but they typically run an 8-man rotation. 6-foot senior guard Kamari McGee is leading scorer off the bench with 6.7 ppg and shoots 46% from three.

As a whole, offense is the strength of this Wisconsin team. They rank 13th nationally in KenPom offensive efficiency and rely on the three ball. BYU shoots the most threes in the Big 12 and Wisconsin shoots the most in the Big 10; nearly half the field goal attempts for both teams are from three. Wisconsin shoots 34.8% from three, which is 123 nationally, while BYU shoots 37% from distance.

The Badgers are the best free throw shooting team in the country, shooting 82.7% from the foul line. Five of their top six scorers shoot at least 80% from the line. One component that is not part of Wisconsin’s offense is offensive rebounding. The Badgers rebound 28% of their misses, which is 237 nationally in offensive rebound percentage. VCU ranked 12th nationally in offensive rebound percentage going into the BYU game, rebounding more than 36% of their misses.

The Badgers are known for their offensive, but their defensive ratings are stout. In fact, Wisconsin ranks 24th nationally in KenPom defensive efficiency, which is three spots ahead of VCU. Wisconsin’s defensive philosophy is completely different than VCU’s.

VCU is a pressure defense who relied on forcing turnovers, and that is not UW’s identity. Wisconsin has one of the lowest defensive turnover percentages nationally, ranking 332 with a 14.4% defensive turnover percentage. What the Badgers do well is rebound and protect the rim. They don’t get many blocks, but their two seven footers can congest the paint and make shots difficult around the rim. In addition to not forcing turnovers, Wisconsin can be a susceptible at times to the three ball. Wisconsin in Big 10 play allowed opponents to shoot 35% from three, which was 12th in the Big 10.

Four Under-the-Radar Storylines

Keba Keita vs UW Frontcourt

I am fascinated to see how Kevin Young uses Keba Keita this game. Wisconsin’s front court is skilled and neither starters are statues, but they aren’t athletic like most of the Big 12 frontcourts; they are a stereotypical Big 10 frontcourt is some ways.

I imagine Kevin Young will spread the floor with three shooters and then ruthlessly put Egor Demin and Keba Keita in PNR situations to see if 7-foot, 250 pound center Steven Crowl can cover the space to slow down Egor and cover Keba. In BYU’s blowout win over Kansas, Keba abused Hunter Dickinson in PNR situations and Dicksinson; I imagine BYU will try to do the same versus the Badgers. Wisconsin has seen some really good big men in the Big 10, but no one with the athleticism that Keba has.

Will Boskovic get more minutes?

Fouss will get minutes and I think he will be successful. Wisconsin doesn’t double-team the post a ton, and I trust Fouss to score one-one-one versus just about anyone in the country. Fouss has showed he can score against bigger players one-and-one. Boskovic could get some more run here though for defensive purposes. Both Wisconsin bigs can shoot the three, and Boskovic could get some minutes if Fouss struggles to get out on the perimeter. Boskovic is more adept there and wouldn’t give up a ton of size down low. I expect Fouss to get a healthy dosage of minutes, but I think Boskovic carves out a role this game.

Can Mawot Mag slow down John Tonje?

Mag had the main assignment on A10 POY Max Shulga and had Shulga in a straight jacket. Shulga had zero two-point attempts and was uncomfortable all game when guarded by Mag. Mag has been matched up against top opposing guards all year and has routinely slowed them down. Tonje may be his toughest test yet. If Mag can make Tonje take difficult shots and/or limit his attempts, he may be the top reason why BYU is able to come out with a victory.

Is Kanon Catchings an under-the-radar x-factor?

Catchings came through in Big 12 play when it was not expected. In his three conference games with double-digit points, he had multiple games preceding with single-digit outputs. Catchings played four minutes versus VCU to at least get his feet coming off his knee injury versus West Virginia a few weeks ago. I’m not counting on Kanon to come through big, but he has some things going in his favor. Kevin Young is all about exploiting mismatches, and Kanon can do that versus Wisconsin. Nate Winter is 6-foot-11 and plays the four in Wisconsin’s starting lineup. I could see KY putting in Kanon to force that matchup and then give Kanon some off-ball screening action to force Winter to chase him around the perimeter. That isn’t Winter’s strong suit and could open up a handful of Kanon looks. Even two threes from Kanon could be a difference in this game. So if you want a deep cut x-factor, I’ll go with Kanon Catchings.

Prediction

VCU stylistically on paper was a tougher matchup for BYU than Wisconsin, but the Badgers are a better team and will be a tougher game for BYU. Their offense is as good as BYU has seen this season and their defense is big and sound.

I expect a offensive-centric game versus two offenses that rank top 15 nationally. Both teams are playing well and this could prove to be the most entertaining second round game. John Tonje presents a huge challenge for BYU and could single-handedly win this game.

Since I force myself to pick a winner, I’ll side with BYU for some of the reasons I highlighted above. 1) I think Mag can slow down Tonje just enough to prevent him from taking over this game, 2) Keba can present matchup problems to Wisconsin’s front court, and 3) Wisconsin’s lack of defensive pressure will give BYU additional shot attempts and allow Egor Demin and Dallin Hall to play a bit more free.

Prediction: BYU 85, Wisconsin 83

*Record Straight Up: 26-8

*Record Against the Spread: 18-16

* I’ll make a prediction for every game and track my record through the season

DENVER – BYU basketball will face the No. 3 seed Wisconsin Badgers in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Late on Thursday night, after the first-round matchups concluded, tip times were announced for second-round games.

BYU vs. Wisconsin at 5:45 pm (MDT) on CBS https://t.co/233aLN6Xyo

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) March 21, 2025

No. 6 seed BYU will take on a network television stage against Wisconsin.

BYU vs Wisconsin on CBS

The second-round clash will tip off at 5:45 p.m. (MDT) and be televised on CBS. Check your local affiliates for channel information.

It’s the first time since 2021 that BYU is playing on CBS during the NCAA Tournament. BYU lost to UCLA four years ago in Indianapolis.

The Cougars are gearing up for their first appearance in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament since 2011.

BYU basketball knocked off No. 11 seed VCU on Thursday, 80-71, to advance to Saturday to face Wisconsin.

Wisconsin took down No. 14 seed Montana, 85-66, to advance to the second round of the “Big Dance.”

BYU and Wisconsin haven’t faced off in men’s basketball since a nonconference game in Illinois in the 2011-12 season.

Announcers for the game will include Brad Nessler as the play-by-play voice, with former North Carolina Tar Heel and 14-year NBA veteran Brendan Haywood as analyst. Dana Jacobson will handle the sidelines. The same announcers were on the call on Thursday during BYU’s win over VCy.

How to Stream BYU vs Wisconsin

You can watch every NCAA Tournament game on the March Madness Live App by logging in using your TV provider credentials.

Other streaming platforms that offer CBS include:

• YouTube TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• DirecTV Stream
• Sling
• Fubo

How To Listen To BYU Basketball in the NCAA Tournament

The radio call of BYU vs. Wisconsin can be heard on KSL NewsRadio in Utah at 102.7 FM and 1160 AM. There will be no streaming option on KSL NewsRadio apps or the website, only over the air.

BYU’s Voice of the Cougars, Greg Wrubell, and former BYU basketball player Mark Durrant will be on the call.

Extended pregame coverage of BYU vs. Wisconsin will begin at Noon (MDT) from Denver on KSL NewsRadio.

BYU vs. Wisconsin

Second Round – 2025 NCAA Tournament

Location: Denver, Colorado

Arena: Ball Arena

Tip-Off: 5:45 p.m. (MDT)

TV: CBS

Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM in Utah)

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. It allows you to stream live radio and video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Follow @Mitch_Harper

FIRST ON FOX– Two Wisconsin parents have filed a civil rights complaint after they claimed their daughters were forced to share a locker room with a biological male transgender student and faced academic penalties for attempting to avoid undressing in front of the student.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) filed a Title IX complaint on behalf of the parents with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi against Westosha Central High School for “endangering the safety and privacy of multiple female students.”

The complaint, shared first with Fox News Digital, claims that Westosha Central High allowed a male student to share a locker room for gym class with female students and allegedly punished students who attempted to avoid changing in front of the male student.

The complaint was brought by two parents of female students in the class. One of the parents said he ended up pulling his daughter out of the school because of the situation.

ILLINOIS MOTHER FILES CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT, SAYS DAUGHTER NEARLY FORCED TO CHANGE IN FRONT OF TRANS STUDENT

“Parents send their kids to school so they can learn in a safe environment, but that’s not what happened here. My daughter was punished for standing up for her own privacy and safety. The district’s misplaced priorities left us no choice but to leave the school,” former Westosha parent Nicholas Puchter said.

The complaint states that at the beginning of the second semester last December, two female students, “Jane Doe 1” and “Jane Doe 2,” began a new physical education class where they became aware that a male transgender student would be allowed to change in the girls’ locker room.

“While some girls could use the few available toilet stalls to change in privacy and away from the gaze of the male student, others could not because of the limited time offered for changing. The result was a crowded and uncomfortable environment where many girls felt pressured into an inadequate choice between exposure and tardiness,” the complaint states.

After Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 expressed “discomfort and embarrassment” at being required to undress in front of a male student to their gym teacher, the complaint claims they were told “not to worry about it” and that it would be considered “bullying,” to not allow the transgender student to use the girls’ locker room.

CONSERVATIVE SCHOOL BOARD IN BLUE STATE ASKING TRUMP ADMIN TO INTERVENE ON GENDER POLICY

A Title IX complaint claims that female high school students at a Wisconsin high school were forced to choose changing clothes in front of a transgender, biological male student, or face academic penalties. (iStock)

The complaint says the parents of the two girls also called the school’s administration office to demand they address the issue. However, the transgender student was still allowed to change in the same locker room, the complaint claims.

During the winter break, Westosha also sent a letter to families, claiming that “no reports of inappropriate locker room behaviors were made to school personnel or law enforcement” but regardless, the school said it had “taken steps to ensure all students feel safe and comfortable in the locker room.”

The complaint says that Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 faced academic penalties when they attempted to avoid changing in front of the transgender student.

Jane Doe 1 allegedly “received multiple unexcused absences attempting to avoid the leering gaze of a male student in the locker room.”

HHS’ CIVIL RIGHTS OFFICE FINDS MAINE IN VIOLATION OF TITLE IX FOR ALLOWING BIOLOGICAL MALES IN WOMEN’S SPORTS

Parents across the nation have taken legal action against schools over their transgender policies. (Fox News Digital)

In one instance, Jane Doe 1 tried to sit in the girls’ bathroom outside the locker room to avoid the male student when a teacher “yelled” at her for skipping class and forced her to return to PE class, the complaint says. 

Jane Doe 2 was also marked absent on multiple occasions because she would wait for an empty stall to change clothes for class. Although her absences were excused after her father called the school, she still received a failing grade in the class, the complaint says. Her family ultimately chose to pull her out of Westosha, which is located in Paddock Lake, a village in Kenosha County bordering Illinois.

WILL accuses the school of violating Title IX protections by failing to “take meaningful action to accommodate” or address the students’ concerns and creating an environment where female students’ participation in gym class was hindered.

WILL is asking the Department of Justice and Department of Education to investigate these claims and “act swiftly to remedy unlawful policies and practices, and order appropriate relief.”

President Donald Trump signed the “No Men in Women’s Sports” executive order on Feb. 5, 2025. (AP/IMAGN)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

WILL Associate Counsel Lauren Greuel provided the following statement:

“When schools like Westosha force girls into an inadequate choice between exposing themselves to a male student or academic penalties, they abandon all common-sense and their core mission. The law requires protections for girls to have the same educational opportunities as their male peers. The decision to punish these girls for protecting themselves must be promptly investigated by the Department of Education. We ask the department to consider the allegations in our complaint and quickly remedy these unlawful policies and practices.”

In response to the complaint, the Department of Justice told Fox News Digital, “Forcing girls to compete against and share locker rooms with boys is demeaning, unfair, and dangerous. The Department of Justice will protect women and continue to vigorously defend President Trump’s executive actions, including the Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports executive order.”

Wetosha Central High and the Department of Education did not respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.