Sunday’s matinee between the #8 Michigan State Spartans and the #11 Wisconsin Badgers was easily the biggest Big Ten game of the year before tip-off, and MSU’s 71-62 victory, much closer than the final score suggests, did not disappoint.
Unless, that is, you are a Badgers fan, in which case Wisconsin’s frigid 5-32 mark from the three and lack of rebounding was a frustrating letdown in what could have been a statement game about who the best team in the conference really is.
The loss drops Wisconsin to 12-6 in Big Ten play and eliminates them from the possibility of claiming the 1-seed ahead of the conference tournament.
For now, the 15-3 Spartans secure their spot atop the standings regardless of what the Michigan Wolverines do against Illinois. Shooting variance certainly worked in their favor versus the Badgers, but the win solidifies their position as the team to beat in the Big Ten–something Wisconsin fans do not like hearing.
Michigan State Spartans Put the Clamps on Wisconsin Badgers in Big Ten Showdown
Wisconsin’s shooting struggles were not solely a product of poor execution or negative variance. Michigan State is one of the best three-point defenses in the country, holding opponents to just 28.8% from beyond the arc, sixth in the nation and best in the Big Ten.
The Spartans are also one of college basketball’s better rebounding teams, ranking 16th on the defensive glass at 27.8 per game and 15th overall at 39.8 boards per game. Led by 16 from Jaxon Kohler, they outrebounded Wisconsin 51 to 40.
Of course, Badgers backers have a valid gripe regarding the team’s three-point shooting luck. MSU can’t take all the credit for its foe’s abysmal performance. After going just 2-16 in the first half, Wisconsin might have expected a friendlier in the bounce in the second. Instead they made exactly one more three in the same number of attempts.
The Big Ten’s leading team in three point makes at 10.1 per game, the Badgers are not accustomed to such low volume.
Equally infuriating, they were outshot by the conference’s worst three-point shooting team. Coming in at 29.5% on 5.6 makes, the Spartans chucked at an uncharacteristic rate versus Wisconsin’s defense, finishing the game 9-27 from the beyond the arc.
On the other end of the floor, MSU held the high-powered Badgers offense to a season-low 62 points. It wasn’t just losing, it was the way they lost–so contrary to the team’s identity, in a marquee game–that made the defeat so painful.
According to Badgers Faithful, Wisconsin Remains the Better Team
While fans made legitimate observations, the hurt, tinged with a dose of “copium,” was apparent in their comments.
I think Badgers win this one if they play again. Won’t shoot as bad, Spartans won’t shoot as well. Awful on defensive glass
— Ryan Wing (@RyanWingFOX11) March 2, 2025
I am not moved. Game was there for the taking without our starting point guard. If Badgers shoot their normal percentage from 3, add 6 threes and 18 points. On to the next.
— Badger Steve 🧀🍺🦌 (@UW_Steve) March 2, 2025
Part of the frustration stemmed from the stagnant offensive scheme and lack of adjustment given the team’s obvious shooting struggles.
This game is getting me so frustrated and it’s half the way badgers are playing and half of the refs. And PLEASE stop shooting 3s we aren’t doing well this game w them😭😭
— Sarah’s Era (@SarahSartell) March 2, 2025
Badgers are a woeful 2-16 from three, but keep having possessions where the ball never goes inside and they take a long or contested three. That’s how they’ve lost a couple games this year, including the second half against Oregon only a week ago. Gard needs to start coaching.
— Dalton Van Schoyck (@DVSMoney) March 2, 2025
To be fair, Wisconsin was missing guard Max Klesmit, who has averaged 9.7 points and 2.7 assists this season. The team’s leading scorer, however, did not compensate for his absence, as John Tonje (19.5) mustered just 11 points on 3-13 from the floor, including 1-8 from deep.
John Blackwell stepped up to supply most of the offense, finishing with 19 points on 8-20 shooting.
Fans can hypothesize on future meetings, but the fact of the matter is that, in the game that actually took place, the Badgers did not rise to the occasion on the biggest stage of the season.
For the Spartans, guard Jaden Akins also led his team with 19 points, and although he shot just 6-18 from the field, his four first-half triples ignited a comeback after MSU behind 13-4 to start the game.
Freshman breakout Jase Richardson attempted only 9 shots but provided big buckets down the stretch. Playing a central role on offense, he finished with 11 points, 5 boards and 6 assists.
Likely due to drop in the AP Poll, Wisconsin will have a chance to recalibrate with a pair of easier games to finish the season against Minnesota and Penn State.
Having rattled off four straight quad one wins, the Spartans get a game in Iowa on Thursday before all eyes turn to their showdown with #15 Michigan a week from today. If the Wolverines can beat Illinois and a #16 Maryland, that game will likely decide the Big Ten’s regular season champion.
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