Monday, December 1, 2008

When: 7 p.m. Where: Cassell Coliseum. TV: ESPN2. Records: Hokies 4-2; Badgers 5-1

Resume builder: Virginia Tech needs a marquee, nonconference win, something the Hokies failed to obtain during their tournament in Puerto Rico. Xavier's half-court, game-winning shot cost the Hokies a shot at Memphis. The only other major nonconference opponents the Hokies will face are Georgia and possibly St. John's. Neither win would mean as much in March as topping No. 25 Wisconsin tonight.

Where's Dorenzo?: Sophomore guard Dorenzo Hudson was expected to be a major contributor for the Hokies this season, but he has scored more than two points in just one of six games and was twice held scoreless. In last Wednesday's win over Elon, Hudson played a season-low 15 minutes.

Test for Allen: Sophomore forward Jeff Allen has been outstanding this season for Virginia Tech, averaging 16.8 points and 10.5 rebounds. The Badgers are not as big as they have been in the past, but Coach Bo Ryan's teams are always rugged on defense. Allen is Virginia Tech's best interior option, so expect Wisconsin to play tough against him. If Allen can continue his production against the Badgers, it might be an indication that his offseason improvement will last in the ACC.

-- Zach Berman