Wisconsin’s Own JJ Watt Shouts Out Richie Saunders During Round Of 32 Matchup
Mar 22, 2025, 7:13 PM
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Former Houston Texans player J.J. Watt waves to the crowd during a ceremony inducting him into the Texans Ring of Honor during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
DENVER – In the first half of the NCAA Tournament game between BYU and Wisconsin, JJ Watt gave a shoutout to Cougar guard Richie Saunders.
Watt played college football with the Badgers but had to show flowers to Saunders. However, maybe not for the reason you think.
Have to honor and pay respect to the kid on BYU who’s great grandfather invented Tater Tots. Greatness is greatness. Man is a legend.
Now that we’ve addressed that,
On Wisconsin!
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 22, 2025
“Have to honor and pay respect to the kid on BYU whose great grandfather invented Tater Tots,” Watt wrote. “Greatness is greatness. Man is a legend.”
Watt followed his props by promptly making his allegiance to the Badgers known.
The recognition came at a great time but Watt probably didnt think so. In the first half against Wisconsin, Saunders posted 12 points and five rebounds on over 50 percent from the floor.
He was a major reason that BYU was able to open a double-digit advantage before halftime.
BYU Basketball Aims For Third Sweet 16 Appearance Since 1979
BYU basketball is on to the Round of 32 where they will face the No. 3 Wisconsin Badgers today.
In the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, the No. 6 Cougars held off the No. 11 VCU Rams in an 80-71 victory. The win was BYU’s first in the “Big Dance” since 2012.
Wisconsin didnt deal with nearly as much drama as they relatively easily defeated the No. 14 Montana Grizzlies, 85-66.
see you in round two ✌️ pic.twitter.com/mV5099SHMT
— BYU Men’s Basketball (@BYUMBB) March 20, 2025
The last time that BYU basketball beat a single-digit-seeded team in March Madness was back in 1991. However, this BYU team has won 10 of their last 11 games and showed they can alter their playstyle for success as they did against VCU on Thursday.
All signs point toward an even, high-scoring matchup which is probably why CBS picked up the game for primetime.
BYU Gameday Reading
- BYU vs. Wisconsin: Three NCAA Tournament Game Day Thoughts
- BYU Has Opportunity Against Wisconsin To End More NCAA Droughts
- Wisconsin Coach Greg Gard Shares Thoughts On NCAA Matchup With BYU
- Three Things About BYU’s NCAA Opponent: Wisconsin Badgers
- Score Prediction For BYU’s NCAA Matchup Against Wisconsin
- BYU Basketball Prepares For NCAA Tournament Second Round
- BYU Proved They Aren’t ‘One-Trick Pony’ In NCAA Win Over VCU
- Instant Takeaways From BYU’s Impressive NCAA Win Over VCU
Follow BYU and the NCAA Tournament on KSL Sports
The Cougars received a No. 6 seed in the East Region and will continue their “Big Dance” in Denver on Saturday against the No. 3 Wisconsin Badgers.
Follow the BYU Cougars with KSL Sports here.
