The Wisconsin Badgers and the Michigan Wolverines battled against each other in the Big Ten Tournament Championship but also battled against fatigue in a game that came down to the final seconds. Ultimately the battle of fatigue ended up in Michigan's favor just in time for the Selection Sunday Show to begin. The Badgers were projected as a 3-seed no matter how this one ended and often the Big Ten Championship doesn't change much for the NCAA selection committee due to how late it's played in the process.
Michigan and Wisconsin both struggled offensively
It was a frustrating game for both programs, as neither team could get their offense going, and both defenses stifled the other's shot selection and ability. Michigan ended up shooting only 32% from the field, while Wisconsin ended up shooting a troubling 21%, which is why the game ended in such a low scoring way. If it wasn't for free throws, the score would have been much lower. Wisconsin scored 16 points from the line, while Michigan scored 12.
The Badgers led most of the game but could not close out on the Wolverines
It was in the final minutes of the game that Michigan finally took a lead in the second half. Michigan led 21-19, and then the Badgers went on a run and didn't let it up until the end. The shots just never seemed to fall for Wisconsin, which was reminiscent of the Michigan State game, in which the Badgers also struggled from the field.
John Tonje and the Badgers were clearly gassed
Both teams were tired, honestly even the refs looked tired. It had been a long weekend for the Badgers and they were working on one less day of rest than the Wolverines and it caught up to them in this game. It's a lot to play four games in four days and it showed. John Tonje, who had been magnificent all tournament, struggled mightily in this one going 1-14 from the field and 0-5 from three. Most of his points came at the line. He was clearly running on empty but trying to push through it.
It wasn't the best game for the Badgers but they seem well set up for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
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