BYU basketball advanced after a hard-fought battle with the VCU Rams in the Round of 64. The program's first win in the tournament since 2012 -- 2011 if you don't count the First Four -- and their reward is a collision with a Wisconsin-shaped wall.
Wisconsin, the Big 10 tournament runners-up, handled business against an overmatched Montana side. Playing inspired basketball in the postseason, this four-seed in conference knockouts turned a three-seed in the Big Dance. In a top-heavy league, the Badgers stood toe-to-toe with the likes of Michigan State, Michigan, Maryland, and UCLA.
They likewise draw a BYU side that is scorching hot in this back half of the season. Congratulations to both teams -- this one's a toss-up.
Wisconsin similarly loves to launch from distance, as they shot the highest rate of long balls in Big 10 play, and hit at a good, not great 34.9% on 9.8 connection per game. An incredible scoring team that averages 80 points a night, Wiscy flexes enough firepower to inflict their will upon their opponents with very little resistance.
BYU, historically, has earned a reputation as a "live and die by the 3" type of program. And while this year's iteration still loves to hoist it at an unconscionable rate, knocking through 10.7 three-balls per game on the year, Kevin Young's offense is very well-rounded. Interior scoring threats in the form of counters, backup plans, and depth that maintain production exceptionally well.
So what's going to give?
Truthfully, these are two teams that are happy to run and gun. Proven winners on both ends, and capable offensive sides, this battle may ultimately come down to whoever can get a stop when it matters most.
In favor of the Cougars, neither side defends the three-ball particularly well, which could favor the BYU side that broke records in the Big 12 tournament for raining a flash flood of three-pointers. Richie Saunders, Trevin Knell, Dawson Baker, and even Egor Demin have proven capable of lighting up the box score. Heat up early, and they can melt the Badgers' defense.
But here's the catch: get caught in foul trouble, and the Badgers will ruin you.
They're the best free throw shooters in basketball, knocking down 82.7% on the season from the stripe. If this game becomes a back-and-forth free-throw shoot-off, I really don't like BYU's chances of hanging with Wisconsin.
So, exercise restraint on the defensive end. Thankfully, BYU doesn't play a particularly aggressive or physical form of defense.
Flip a coin. Seriously. Though BYU is riding a higher wave of momentum lately, Wisconsin is a very steady, well-rounded team that can hang with anyone any day.
A shot at the Sweet 16 for both teams, this one will be decided in a footrace.