INDIANAPOLIS — In a new-look Big Ten with more teams and less regularity, it was an old-fashioned reclamation project in Ann Arbor that became the story of the weekend.
A year removed from a last-place finish and a coaching change, Michigan players pulled on championship T-shirts and hats as “The Victors” blared throughout Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The third-seeded Wolverines (26-9) outlasted and outfought Wisconsin (26-9) 59-53 for their first Big Ten tournament title since 2018, a year in which they also advanced to the NCAA championship game.
The moment we knew we had it 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gYWtOFz0DU
— Michigan Men’s Basketball (@umichbball) March 16, 2025
In a game that featured seven lead changes and seven ties, guts and toughness earned Michigan its first NCAA tournament berth since 2022. The Wolverines trailed Wisconsin by 11 points in the second half and it appeared the Badgers were pulling away. Instead, it was Michigan that was drawing closer.
With the score tied 53-53, Michigan twice collected offensive rebounds until Vladislav Goldin was fouled with 46.6 seconds left. Goldin drilled both free throws to give Michigan the lead for good. The Wolverines tacked on four more free throws while Wisconsin missed its final nine shots to miss out on its first Big Ten tournament title since 2015.
As Goldin and teammates Danny Wolf jumped chest-to-chest as Wisconsin’s final toss to the backboard coincided with the buzzer, Michigan first-year coach Dusty May, with his voice hoarse from a loud environment, was overcome with emotion.
“They all have their own individual goals and ambitions and to see them put all of that aside and try to do something special together and take a lot of pride in the team and the university and who they represent, it’s a special group of guys,” May said.
May instantly reinvigorated the Wolverines and a transfer portal overhaul helped them become champions. It’s quite the turnaround for Michigan, which was in last place by three games last season.
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(Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
