The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are riding high, capturing their third consecutive ACC victory with a decisive win over a formidable Clemson Tigers squad. After a rough start in conference play at 2-8, the Deacs have clawed their way to a 5-8 record, positioning themselves just one win away from potentially climbing to ninth place. It's been a season of growth and resilience, and it seems like the team is finally clicking at the right time.
The first half against Clemson was arguably the best basketball Wake has played all season. After Clemson's initial basket, Wake unleashed a 24-6 run, taking a commanding 26-10 lead.
The Deacs were on fire, with the basket seeming as wide as the ocean. By halftime, seven of the nine players who hit the court for Wake had scored, with six shooting 50% or better.
Myles Colvin led the charge with 14 points on perfect shooting, including four from beyond the arc. Despite a late 7-0 run by Clemson, Wake held a solid 45-32 lead at the break, shooting an impressive 67% against a top-tier defense.
Clemson fought back in the second half, narrowing the gap to just five points by the 16-minute mark. Yet, Wake answered every challenge, consistently keeping the Tigers at bay. Clemson repeatedly closed in, but the Deacs always had a response, never allowing the Tigers to seize momentum.
The pivotal moment came courtesy of sophomore Sebastian Akins. With Clemson closing in, Akins drained a crucial three-pointer, his first since December, extending Wake's lead to nine and effectively sealing the game. Akins finished with 16 points, bolstered by five clutch free throws, leading Wake to an 85-77 victory.
This team has shown grit and determination, proving they can compete with the ACC's best. Juke Harris led the way with 20 points, and five players scored in double figures, showcasing the depth that was promised early in the season.
While Isaac Carr didn't score, his five assists and single turnover were vital. Omaha Biliew added eight points and might have hit double figures if not for fouling out late in the game.
Harris continues to be a scoring force, but with performances like these from the supporting cast, Wake could become a formidable opponent down the stretch.
Now sitting at 5-8 in the ACC, Wake's prospects of finishing 8-10 or better are looking up. While mid-pack wasn't the initial goal, the Deacs have turned a corner, and there's even talk of Nate Calmese returning from injury before the ACC Tournament. The season's not over, and there's plenty of basketball left, but credit to Wake Forest for their relentless fight and determination to rewrite their season narrative.