Wisconsin Badgers Dominate Montana Grizzlies in NCAA Playoff Opener

In a display of sheer dominance, the Wisconsin Badgers outplayed the Montana Grizzlies with an impressive 85-66 victory in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball playoffs. This win places the Badgers firmly on their path through the post-season schedule, showcasing their potential for a deep run in this year's tournament.

Key Moments and Player Performances

The game was marked by Wisconsin's ability to control both ends of the court. The team showcased an exceptional shooting performance with a field goal percentage of 55 percent, significantly higher than Montana's 40 percent. The Badgers were particularly effective inside, converting 73 percent of their two-point attempts and dominating points in the paint with a total of 38.

Steven Crowl and John Blackwell emerged as standout performers for Wisconsin. Crowl led his team with 18 points, demonstrating remarkable efficiency by shooting 80 percent from the field and hitting two out of three attempts from beyond the arc. Blackwell wasn't far behind, contributing 19 points along with three assists and five rebounds. His defensive efforts were also notable, recording two steals that contributed to Wisconsin’s five total steals for the game.

On defense, Wisconsin was formidable as well; they blocked six shots compared to Montana’s single block throughout the game. This defensive solidity limited Montana’s scoring opportunities inside and forced them into less efficient shots from midrange and beyond.

The Grizzlies showed resilience despite facing a tough opponent. They managed to score 34 points in paint but struggled from midrange where they only made one out of six attempts—a stark contrast to their opponents' efficiency.

Looking Ahead

As fans celebrate this victory, attention now turns towards Wisconsin Badgers' next challenge in this postseason journey. They are scheduled to face BYU Cougars at Ball Arena in Denver on March 22nd at 1:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch all action live as it unfolds on national television networks.

This upcoming matchup promises another exciting chapter in Wisconsin’s playoff campaign as they aim to continue their winning momentum against BYU Cougars at one of basketball's grand stages—Ball Arena.