Wisconsin blows past UCLA 86-70 in Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals
The Wisconsin Badgers blew past the UCLA Bruins 86-70 in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Wisconsin got off to a quick start and never let off the gas pedal as backcourt duo John Tonje and John Blackwell helped tie the Big Ten Tournament single-game record with 19 3-pointers made in the win.
Just days after earning All-Big Ten First Team honors, Tonje finished with a game-high 26 points to go with nine rebounds and four assists. Blackwell totaled 18 points and five rebounds in the win. Wisconsin took a 48-29 lead into halftime and led by as much as 27 points before eventually cruising to a second straight win in the Big Ten Tournament.
The Badgers shot a blistering 51.7 percent from the field and 59.4 percent from 3-point range en route to returning to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for a second consecutive season. Following a disappointing loss to the Penn State Nittany Lions in the regular season finale, Wisconsin's high-powered offense seemingly found its groove again.
"I think it just being a competitive game and win or go home, I was trying to bring any energy I can. I'm known as more of a calm guy but I couldn't help myself today," Tonje said after the historic shooting performance. The Badgers will look to keep the momentum going against the top seeded Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.
They were on fire. I figured they would win but that was surprising