BYU Has Opportunity Against Wisconsin To End More NCAA Droughts
Mar 21, 2025, 10:08 PM
DENVER – BYU basketball is preparing to play in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011.
The 80-71 win over VCU on Thursday ended a 14-year drought in the Round of 64.
On Saturday against No. 3 seed Wisconsin, BYU has an opportunity to end a few more droughts.
BYU basketball is looking to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011
For starters, it’s also been 14 years since BYU reached the Sweet 16.
Since seeding began in 1979 in the NCAA Tournament, BYU basketball has only reached the Sweet 16 twice.
That was in 1981, and then 30 years later, in 2011.
The common thread in both appearances is that BYU had the National Player of the Year in each run.
clocking in 💼 pic.twitter.com/lqHzNHihNT
— BYU Men's Basketball (@BYUMBB) March 22, 2025
Danny Ainge led BYU to its lone appearance in the Elite Eight, while Jimmer Fredette sent the nation into a state of “Jimmermania” before falling in the Sweet 16 to Florida.
Both BYU legends were in attendance to see the Cougars win over VCU.
So, based on BYU basketball history, reaching the second weekend of the “Big Dance” without a National Player of the Year would be new territory for the program.
They must get past a high-powered Wisconsin team that ranks in the Top 25 nationally for offense and defense.
“It’s funny when you win one game, you’re just like, ‘Well, we’re only one game less away from being in the Sweet 16,'” said BYU guard Dawson Baker to KSL Sports. “It’s easy to look ahead that way, but you’ve got to be diligent and just be in the moment and look at the next matchup.”
The Sweet 16 drought would be the most notable breakthrough for BYU if they can top the Badgers.
However, there is another drought BYU has experienced in the NCAA Tournament.
The last time BYU defeated a single-digit seed in the “Big Dance” was 34 years ago
BYU hasn’t defeated a single-digit seed in the NCAA Tournament since 1991.
That was when No. 10 seed BYU, led by freshman center Shawn Bradley, knocked off No. 7 seed Virginia, led by former guard John Crotty, at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City.
Since that victory over the Cavaliers 34 years ago, BYU is 0-14 against single-digit seeded teams in the NCAA Tournament.
Cougar Sports Saturday is going to be a must-listen from here in Denver.
Listen to my conversation with BYU basketball coach Kevin Young as the Cougars prepare to take on the Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA Tournament.
⏰: Noon-3 p.m. (MDT)
📻: @kslnewsradio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM)… pic.twitter.com/7bk3Ph8QYR— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) March 21, 2025
BYU is big on stacking days. Stacking up a win over a No. 3 seed would be an impressive accomplishment if they can pull it off.
“I think all of us knew during the course of this year that we had the potential to do what a lot of colleges dream of doing and advance very far in this tournament,” Baker said.
“With our depth, our shooting, our ability to adjust in games, and our defense has been outstanding. So, I mean, I think a lot of us wouldn’t be surprised to go very far. But I think most people would, but that’s just us.”
BYU vs. Wisconsin
Second Round – 2025 NCAA Tournament
Location: Denver, Colorado
Arena: Ball Arena
Tip-Off: 5:45 p.m. (MDT)
TV: CBS
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM in Utah) — Extended pregame begins at Noon
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.
