Wisconsin wing John Tonje continued his torrid start to the 2024-25 season on Friday night, leading the Badgers to a signature win over No. 9 Arizona.
With program legend Bo Ryan honored at halftime and the Badgers’ 2014 and 2015 Final Four teams in the building, the transfer wing came within a basket of breaking Frank Kaminsky’s single-game program scoring record (43 points).
Instead, he had to settle for the following stat line: 41 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal on 8-of-14 shooting, 4-of-6 from three and 21-of-22 from the free throw line.
Those 21 free throws broke a program record, previously held by Nigel Hayes (17 made free throws on Jan. 26, 2016).
John Tonje just broke the record for most free throws in a game for the #Badgers. He’s 18-for-19.
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) November 16, 2024
Tonje’s exceptional foul-line performance was part of Wisconsin shooting 87.2% (41-of-47) overall from the line, a decisive factor in the team’s signature victory. The Badgers entered the contest ranked No. 2 in the nation shooting 92.5% from the charity stripe. Tonje’s performance against the Wildcats embodies a critical combination of volume and efficiency, creating a margin that a top team in Arizona was unable to overcome.
Tonje’s performance continues to be among the biggest stories of Wisconsin’s season to date. He’s up to 94 total points over the four contests (23.5 points per game), seamlessly filling the scoring vacancy created by A.J. Storr’s offseason departure to Kansas.
The Badgers improve to 4-0 on the season with the statement victory. Most importantly, it appears that Greg Gard has found another big-time transfer addition.
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