Badgers Survive Scare

Wisconsin picked up a quality win Monday night, defeating Virginia Tech as part of the 10th annual ACC-Big Ten Challenge, but not without a scare first.
Trevon Hughes hit a leaning runner with .9 seconds remaining to lift Wisconsin to a 74-72 win.
The Badgers led throughout, but a 14-5 run capped by A.D. Vassallo’s sixth 3-pointer pulled the Hokies even with under 10 seconds to play.
Vassallo finished with 30 points, including 24 in the second half in a losing effort.
No doubt the Badgers played well, hitting free throws down the stretch and shots throughout (24-of-48 from the field). The team also showed improvements must be made.
Sometimes good defense isn't enough to stop a hot shooter. On this night, Vassallo was aided by a much too slack Badgers team. It didn't force Vassallo to put the ball on the floor or get enough bodies on him beyond the arc in the game's closing minutes. And Jon Leuer committed the cardinal sin of crunch time: He fouled a Hokies shooter in the act.
Nitpicky details aside, Wisconsin proved it is a competent team that is well coached.
Although the Badgers aren't ranked, expect them to be in the running once again for a Big Ten title.