The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team earned their 21st win of the season against Illinois behind a strong performance from John Tonje.
The talented transfer guard who spent time with Colorado State and Missouri before landing in Madison has been pivotal to the success of the team this year. After fellow guard AJ Storr announced his transfer from the Wisconsin program in the offseason, many fans became worried about the future success of the team. Tonje entered the team with a big void left to fill, and has done nothing but impress as the void has been closed.
Wisconsin Badgers, John Tonje Pass Illinois Fighting Illini Test With Flying Colors
Wisconsin pulled off a 21-point victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini, 95-74, on Wednesday night after previously dropping the first meeting of the season. In the first game, Wisconsin put up a tough fight, but the Badgers ultimately did not have the offense that night to fend off a tough Illinois squad.
Tonje managed to score 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting from the field during an off night for the offensive-minded guard. The exceptional veteran was upset with his performance after the first meeting, and corrected his play in the second game in a tremendous fashion. Tonje scored 31 points, shooting 9-of-15 from the field and adding ten free-throws as well.
While the revenge win and improved performance was big enough for Tonje, the guard also added to a multi-game stat line that has etched the guard into program history.
Tonje broke the 30-point mark for the fourth time this season against Illinois while becoming the first Wisconsin Badgers player since Michael Finley to score 30 or more points in back-to-back games. Tonje scored 32-points against #7 Purdue in a nearly identical performance before displaying his talent once again against Illinois.
𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐣𝐞 🤝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐲#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/wp3rnNkTWn
— ESPN Madison (@ESPNMadison) February 19, 2025
Finley is largely considered a Wisconsin Badgers basketball legend, averaging 18.7 points per game across his four-year career with the team. Finley set the Wisconsin basketball scoring record in 1995 and held the record for 11 years before Alando Tucker surpassed his total.
Guard John Tonje Matches Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Statistic Following Huge Performances
Following the big win and the invitation into an exclusive group of Wisconsin Badgers basketball players, Tonje received heavy praise from around college basketball.
College basketball fanatic and expert Joe Lunardi labeled Tonje as “the top transfer addition” following the incredible play of the guard. Opposing coach Brad Underwood praised the guard for his ability on the court as well as for what the guard adds to the locker room.
One of the loudest voices praising Tonje was none other than the voice of Wisconsin Badgers basketball and football, Matt Lepay. The radio announcer took to social media to post about Tonje after the guard entered himself into program history. Lepay noted the fact that Tonje has recently received comparisons to “two Wisconsin basketball legends who have banners hanging at the Kohl Center.”
For a bit of perspective, John Tonje has had a game, or in this case back-to-back games, that results in comps with 2 Wisconsin basketball legends who have banners hanging at the Kohl Center.
Hope we can enjoy the ride. Fun player. Fun team. https://t.co/DQLAPXysTo— Matt Lepay (@MattLepay) February 19, 2025
Lepay also added that he “hopes” Wisconsin fans can “enjoy the ride” for the remainder of the season. The announcer stated “Fun player. Fun team.” in reference to both Tonje and the Wisconsin Badgers following a crucial win over Illinois.
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