Wake Forest's basketball season came to a close with a 62-71 loss to Clemson in the ACC Tournament, marking their 20th consecutive year without winning more than one game in the tournament. This defeat means the Deacs will miss the NCAA Tournament for the 16th year running, barring a highly improbable NIT invitation.
The game against Clemson was all too familiar for Wake fans. The issues that haunted them all season-3-point defense, rebounding, and depth-were on full display.
Clemson took control early with a decisive 19-6 run, putting Wake in a 17-point deficit that they couldn't overcome. The Tigers were hot from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of their 18 attempts in the first half, while Wake struggled with a 36% shooting rate and seven turnovers.
The second half saw a shift in shooting fortunes. Wake found their range, hitting 7 of 12 from three, while Clemson cooled off, going 1-13.
However, Wake's inability to secure rebounds proved costly. The Tigers grabbed 11 offensive boards, maintaining possession and keeping Wake at bay.
Juke Harris delivered a strong performance, but the lack of balanced scoring was evident. Harris, along with Nate Calmese and Trevon Spillers, scored 57 of the team's 62 points. The rest of the squad contributed just five points, with several key players failing to score at all.
With the ACC Tournament dream dashed, Wake's hopes for an NIT invite seem slim, given their standing as the 13th best team in the ACC. The season, which began with promise, ended with 16 losses under Coach Forbes.
As the team looks ahead, the focus shifts to the transfer portal and roster construction for next season. Juke Harris' future will be pivotal, as he may explore NBA opportunities or consider transferring. His decision will be crucial in shaping Wake's strategy for a more successful campaign next year.