News Summary
The Wisconsin Badgers fell to the Michigan State Spartans, 72-62, in a disappointing performance that saw them struggle offensively with their lowest output of the season. Despite an early lead, missed opportunities and turnovers cost Wisconsin the game. With important matches ahead, fans hope the team can recover and build on their season’s strengths.
Wisconsin Stumbles against Michigan State in a Disappointing Showdown
East Lansing, Michigan – The dreams of the No. 11 Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team to capture the Big Ten regular season title were dashed last night as they fell to the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans with a final score of 72-62. The game took place at the Breslin Center, where the Badgers struggled to find their rhythm and ultimately faced their lowest offensive output of the season.
Missed Opportunities
Wisconsin entered the game with a season record of 22-7 and a solid 12-6 in Big Ten play, but things quickly took a turn for the worse. The team managed to shoot a disappointing 22-65 from the field, which is about 33.8%. Their struggles continued beyond the arc, where they made only 5 of 32 three-point attempts, translating to a mere 15.6% success rate. These shooting woes were evident as the Badgers missed 14 consecutive three-point attempts during critical moments in the game, which proved costly.
Highlight Performances
Leading the Badgers in scoring was guard John Blackwell, who netted 19 points. However, it took him a hefty 20 shots to reach that number, showcasing the challenges Wisconsin faced offensively. John Tonje supported with 11 points, albeit while struggling to find his shooting touch at 3-13. Steven Crowl chipped in with 10 points, contributing to the team’s efforts but not enough to turn the tide.
Starting for the injured Max Klesmit, Kamari McGee found it particularly tough on the court, finishing with just 3 points on 1-8 shooting, including a disappointing 0-6 from three-point range. The frustrations were further highlighted as Blackwell and Tonje combined to shoot a dismal 2-15 beyond the arc.
Michigan State Rallies
On the other side, the Spartans capitalized on the Badgers’ missteps. Jaden Akins emerged as the game leader for Michigan State, scoring 19 points himself, including 4 three-pointers, while also grabbing 8 rebounds. Jase Richardson added to the mix with 11 points and 5 rebounds, and Jaxon Kohler made a significant impact on the boards with 10 points and an impressive 15 rebounds, including 8 offensive rebounds that fueled his team’s second-chance opportunities.
Game Dynamics
The game started with Wisconsin briefly taking charge, leading 13-4 early on. However, Michigan State quickly countered and established a competitive edge. The first half showcased a nail-biting nine lead changes and four ties, with Wisconsin ending the half leading 34-32. Both teams hit a rough patch offensively as the second half started, but Michigan State managed to inch ahead, eventually creating a 48-45 lead on a three-pointer by Frankie Fidler.
Wisconsin showed signs of life by narrowing the gap to 58-57 with a three-pointer from Nolan Winter. Unfortunately, careless turnovers allowed Michigan State to regain control, and the Badgers struggled to recover, ultimately letting the game slip away in the closing moments.
Looking Ahead
While this loss stings, Wisconsin has a chance to bounce back on March 5, 2025, as they face No. 13 Minnesota next. Following that, they will encounter No. 16 Penn State, with both games carrying significant implications for their standing in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.
Fans are hopeful that despite the recent setback, Wisconsin can build on the strong performances they’ve had throughout the season, reminiscent of their powerful 2015 Final Four run. The team showcases talent and resilience, which could pave the way for a solid finish to the season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Illinois Basketball Faces Injury Setback with Morez Johnson Jr.
Illini Aiming to Recover Against Wisconsin After Tough Loss
Additional Resources
- Michigan State Spartans Official Site
- Wisconsin Badgers Official Site
- The Daily Cardinal
- Badger Herald
- WiscNews
- Wikipedia: Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball
- Google Search: Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wisconsin Badgers
- Google News: Big Ten Basketball
- Google Scholar: Wisconsin Badgers basketball 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
