ACC/Big Ten Challenge Redux: Freshman Greivis Vasquez and teammate Mike Jones combined to score 36 points to lead Maryland in a 72-66 victory at Illinois, ending the Illini’s 51-game streak at home against non-conference opponents. Both teams had entered the game with identical 7-0 records. In Wisconsin, the Badgers handled Florida State. Forward Alando Tucker scored 22 points — 18 after an eye injury — and guard Kammron Taylor added 18 in an 81-66 rout of Florida State. Seminole guard Toney Douglas paced the team with 24 points.
In the night’s premier match up, Duke slipped past Indiana. The Blue Devils beat the Hoosiers 54-51 as both teams struggled offensively. They shot a combined 35 percent from the field. Duke junior guard DeMarcus Nelson led the team with 19 points. Penn State remained surprisingly close to Georgia Tech, but the Yellow Jackets prevailed 77-73. Georgia Tech sophomore guard Lewis Clinch scored 20 points and reserve Anthony Morrow chipped in 15. Morrow made two late free throws to seal the win for the 21st-ranked Yellow Jackets.
Wrapping up Tuesday’s action, Northwestern survived Jack McClinton and the Miami Hurricanes. McClinton erupted for 30 points but missed a potential game-winning three-pointer as the Hurricanes dropped a close 61-59 decision to Northwestern. Northwestern guard Craig Moore led the Wildcats with 24 points while making 7-of-10 three-pointers.
After two nights, the ACC leads the challenge 4-2. The slate for Wednesday includes the event’s best game — Ohio State at North Carolina. The game will feature enough heralded freshmen to form a high school all-star team. In addition to that bout, look for Virginia at Purdue, Michigan State at Boston College, Clemson at Minnesota and Iowa at Virginia Tech.
[11/29/06]
