If we’re being honest, the ACC-Big Ten Challenge has never been much of a “challenge”. The ACC won the event the first 10 years of its existence before the Big Ten finally broke through in 2009 for the first time. Coming into this year’s showdown, the ACC held a 12-5-2 lead all-time.
Big Ten basketball got embarrassed by the ACC once again
The ACC-Big Ten Challenge is a TKO once again.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
Now we can make it 13 wins for the ACC. By the time the ACC reached the required eight wins to claim the event, the Big Ten had just one victory. With one game to play, the scoreboard stands:
ACC 11
Big Ten 2
It’s the highest win total ever by the ACC in the The Challenge. To the Big Ten’s credit, the games have often been close.
Indiana almost knocked off Duke
It was close ... for a while:
Duke took over late behind another huge game from Marvin Bagley III. Yes, he still looks like the most dominant player in college hoops.
Georgia Tech needed a buzzer-beater to defeat Northwestern
That’s Northwestern’s third tough non-conference loss already this year. The Wildcats are going to wish they had this last play back.
Tyus Battle hit a big shot to give Syracuse the win over Maryland
Virginia Tech steamrolled Iowa
So they have something in common with Louisana and South Dakota State.
Florida State fended off Rutgers
The ‘Noles aren’t as talented as last season, but they’re still deep and formidable.
Wake Forest held on against Illinois
Wake already had losses to Georgia Southern, Liberty, Drake and Houston ... so that won’t be great for the Illini’s tournament hopes. Still, it’s a young team for Illinois and this was their first true road test.
Virginia outlasted Wisconsin in the ugliest game ever
We stand by it.
NC State kept Penn State at bay
Penn State is also going to regret this one come March Madness time.
Miami passed its first real test against Minnesota
We thought the Hurricanes would be legit this season ... and now we know for sure.
North Carolina stomped Michigan
So much for that blowout loss to MSU at the PK80.
Clemson pounded Ohio State in the second half
The Tigers looked solid.
Now, for the Big Ten’s two shining beams of light.
Purdue knocks off a tough Louisville team in the final minutes
Mackey Arena was rocking. What a setting for a big game.
Nebraska beat Boston College
Hey, good for you, Nebraska!
Michigan State looks fantastic in blasting Notre Dame
After dropping that Champions Classic game to Duke, MSU has now beaten North Carolina and Notre Dame in consecutive games. They look like one of the two best teams in America.
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The Big Ten has one real chance left to redeem itself with Michigan State vs. Notre Dame on Thursday night.
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