Score: Wisconsin 58, VCU 45
Location: Riveria Maya, Mexico
Records: VCU 4-4, Wisconsin 7-2
Notes: Cancun Challenge
 
The short story: The Rams trailed Wisconsin 31-15 at halftime but mounted a furious second half rally to get within 42-41 with 7:51 left in the game. The comeback fell short as the Badgers closed the game on a 16-4 run in the win.
 
OPENING TIP:

• Mary-Anna Asare led VCU with 14 points, shooting 4-of-9 from 3-point range. She also had a team-high nine rebounds
• Timaya Lewis-Eutsey was the other Ram in double figures with 12 points and three assists
• Lucía Sotelo added four points and eight rebounds
• The Rams shot just 29.0 percent from the floor while Wisconsin shot 45.1 percent. The Badgers went 8-of-9 at the free throw line with the Rams were just 3-of-5
• Wisconsin was led by Carter McCray who had 19 points and eight rebounds

 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• VCU led Wisconsin 5-4 after a Grace Hutson 3-pointer with 6:27 left in the first quarter. The Badgers then went on an 8-0 run capped by a Serah Williams layup to lead 12-5.
• The Rams trailed the Badgers 14-8 after the first quarter as VCU shot just 15.8 percent from the floor while Wisconsin shot 46.7 percent in the opening 10 minutes
• VCU struggled again offensively in the second quarter and Wisconsin built a 31-15 lead at the half
• The Rams went on a 9-2 run to start the second half that was capped off by an Asare layup with 6:08 left in the third. The run cut the Rams' deficit to 33-24
• A furious 17-4 run across the third and fourth quarter break got VCU within 42-41 with 7:34 remaining after an Asare 3-pointer
• Wisconsin immediately answered with a 14-2 run of its own to retake the lead and hold off VCU

UP NEXT:
VCU returns home to host in-state rival JMU on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Siegel Center. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.