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Barrington coach Bryan Tucker said that this time of year there are no ugly wins, but his team’s gutsy 53-44 win over Wheeling in 4A regional action on Monday night was anything but pretty.

The Broncos overcame a rough shooting night from star senior guard Brad Zaumseil, as well as an aggressive, swarming defense from Wheeling, to pull away in the fourth and seal a date with regional host Warren on Wednesday.

“We were a little of out sync early and it took some time to find our rhythm,” Tucker said. “What they were doing defensively, and their crowd; it was loud in there. We played a little too fast and uncomfortable in the first half. In the second half we settled down.”

With Zaumseil struggling to find his stroke, he took to playing the passing the lanes and finding open teammates on the break. Tied 32-32 heading into the fourth quarter, it was Barrington’s defensive intensity and Zaumseil’s ability to make pivotal plays that didn’t involve him score that turned the tide in their favor.

“He didn’t have his best shooting night but I certainly feel he had a huge impact on the game,” Tucker said. “That’s a senior leader and captain that’s all about the team. Other kids may have been forcing some shots, but he was making the right pass and the right decision.”

Zaumseil finished with only 10 points, but had a handful of key assists, many of which were to senior forward Robby Vollman, who had a game-high 17. Wheeling junior guard Jeremy Stephani had a team-high 13.

“We got Warren now, and they’re obviously a talented team,” Tucker said. “We have to play them on their home court, and they’re obviously a really high seed in a deep and talented sectional. We’ll have our hands full.”