DENVER – After securing a hard-fought victory over VCU in the opening round, BYU is now setting its sights on a major challenge—taking down No. 13 Wisconsin in the Round of 32. A win on Saturday would send the Cougars to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2011.
Head coach Kevin Young emphasized that while the team is thrilled with its tournament win, there’s no time to relax.
“You enjoy the victory, but the focus has to sharpen even more,” Young said. “This is the time where we raise our level, not let it drop.”
Cougars Staying Focused
BYU point guard Dallin Hall echoed that sentiment, saying the team quickly shifted its mindset after Thursday’s win.
“We told ourselves, ‘This is great, but we’re not done yet,’” Hall said. “Wisconsin is a tough team, and we’ve been locked in on preparing for them since last night.”
Freshman Egor Demin, who put up 15 points against VCU, also emphasized the importance of staying locked in.
“There’s no room for distractions,” Demin said. “This tournament is all about surviving and advancing, and we are not ready to go home.”
A Tough Wisconsin Squad Awaits
The Badgers present a formidable challenge with their combination of size and scoring ability. Led by 7-foot center Steven Crowl and 6-foot-11 forward Nolan Winter, Wisconsin boasts a strong interior presence. Additionally, guards John Tonje and John Blackwell provide a scoring punch on the perimeter.
“They execute their offense really well,” BYU guard Trevin Knell noted. “They have playmakers and shooters all over the floor. It’s going to be a battle, but we’re ready for it.”
Coach Young expects a fast-paced matchup, given both teams’ ability to score from beyond the arc.
“They get a lot of threes up—kind of like us,” Young said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns into a high-scoring game. We’ve had games where we’ve put up a lot of points, so it should be a fun one.”
Wisconsin Respects BYU’s Firepower
Wisconsin players acknowledged BYU’s offensive ability and experience, knowing they’ll need to bring their best effort.
“They’re a strong team that plays well together,” Blackwell said. “It’s going to be a great matchup, and we’re excited for the challenge.”
Tonje added that the Cougars’ veteran leadership makes them a dangerous opponent.
“They have experienced guys who know how to win,” Tonje said. “They’re here for a reason, so we have to be at our best.”
Tip-off between BYU and Wisconsin is set for 5:45 p.m. MT on Saturday in Denver
