We are down to four in the Big Ten Tournament, as Wisconsin and Michigan State square off in the first semifinal from Indianapolis on Saturday. The Spartans, who won the conference regular season title,

Wisconsin ended Michigan State's Big Ten Tournament a little early Saturday, beating the No. 1 seed 77-74 in a tight semifinal matchup. The Badgers came through with some clutch defense in the final seconds to hold the three-point lead and keep the Spartans from tying things up.

Michigan State senior guard Jaden Akins (3) defends as University of Wisconsin sophomore guard John Blackwell (25) goes for a basket during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on March. 15, 2025. Michigan State lost to Wisconsin 77-74.

Michigan State's exit from the Big Ten Tournament wasn't the result it wanted, but it could pay off in the end.

The showdown between two well-coached, hungry teams playing at a high level was a reinforcing sign that March hoops have arrived, and The Spartans were reminded of how costly even the simplest mistakes can prove.