Wisconsin’s March Madness Misery: Another Heartbreak, Another ‘What-If’

Same story, different year. Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament dreams were shattered once again in gut-wrenching fashion, adding another chapter to the Badgers’ long list of March disappointments. Falling 91-89 to No. 6-seed BYU, Wisconsin missed out on the Sweet 16 for the eighth straight season—leaving fans to wonder, yet again, what could have been.

This one stings. With the ball in their hands, down by two with 13 seconds left, it was all set up for a dramatic finish. John Tonje—who put on an electrifying 37-point performance, breaking Wisconsin’s program record in the NCAA Tournament—had the chance to be the hero. But when the final buzzer sounded, his shot didn’t fall. The agony was complete.

The painful part? Wisconsin had this game in their grasp. A five-point swing before halftime, their worst defensive outing of the season, a baffling technical foul, and a disappearing act from the bench (just three points total)—it all added up to a maddening defeat. By every measure, this was a game the Badgers should have won.

And yet, the narrative remains unchanged. Since their 2017-18 season collapse, it’s been the same bitter cycle—either missing the tournament or bowing out early. 2018-19? First-round loss to Oregon. 2020-21? Second-round heartbreak against Baylor. 2021-22? Outclassed by Iowa State. 2022-23? Didn’t even make the cut. 2023-24? Humiliated by James Madison in the first round. And now, 2024-25? Another year, another missed opportunity.

The only silver lining? Greg Gard’s squad did exceed expectations this season, going from a projected 12th-place finish in the Big Ten to a 27-win season and a top-three seed. Tonje’s breakout year was nothing short of legendary, nearly rewriting Wisconsin’s single-season scoring record. But is that enough to satisfy a fan base starving for a deep tournament run?

Meanwhile, BYU is riding high, storming into the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011. The Cougars have won 11 of their last 12 games, their only loss coming against Houston, a national title contender. First-year head coach Kevin Young, fresh off years in the NBA, has this squad believing in something special.

As Wisconsin licks its wounds, BYU marches on. And for Badgers fans, it’s another long offseason filled with what-ifs, missed chances, and the nagging question—when will this team finally break the cycle?