In an electrifying season opener, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons grabbed an 88-74 win over American University. The game, held in Winston-Salem, N.C., was a showcase for Mekhi Mason and Tre’von Spillers, who each poured in 20 points.
Mason also pulled down 10 rebounds, notching a double-double that really set the tone for Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons looked sharp offensively, shooting 31 for 65 from the field and 19 for 24 at the free-throw line.
American University, led by Wyatt Nausadis with 22 points, just couldn’t close the gap, though they gave it a real shot. Wake Forest starts their season with a promising win, hoping to make some noise this year.
Key Performances: Mason and Spillers Shine
Mekhi Mason and Tre’von Spillers were the clear standouts for Wake Forest. Mason’s 20 points and 10 rebounds made a big impact, especially in the first half where he dropped 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting.
Spillers matched Mason’s scoring, adding 20 points of his own. Their combined effort really put Wake Forest in the driver’s seat.
Mason’s Impact
Mason did a bit of everything. His 10 rebounds helped Wake Forest keep their foot on the gas, and his early scoring got the team out to a quick lead.
With 13 of his 20 points coming before halftime, Mason was a big reason American University was playing catch-up almost from the start.
Spillers’ Role
Spillers kept the pressure on with his 20 points, especially late in the game. He found ways to score when it mattered, helping Wake Forest hold onto their lead and close things out.
Wake Forest’s Offensive Strategy
Wake Forest’s offense looked well-prepared and executed. They shot 31 for 65 from the field, showing off some real efficiency.
At the free-throw line, they made 19 out of 24 attempts. Not bad at all. Three-point shooting, though, was a different story—they hit just 7 of 25 from deep.
Field Goals
The Demon Deacons focused on high-percentage shots and made the most of their chances. That helped them keep the scoreboard ticking all night.
Free Throws
Free throws ended up mattering, too. Wake Forest took advantage, hitting 19 of 24, which gave them a cushion when American tried to rally.
Three-Point Shooting
The three-point shooting just wasn’t there. Only 7 of 25 went down, so that’s something they’ll want to clean up before facing tougher teams.
American University’s Effort
American University didn’t fold, even if the final score doesn’t show it. Wyatt Nausadis led the Eagles with 22 points and played with a lot of heart.
Early in the second quarter, Nausadis’ layup cut the deficit to 10. But Wake Forest answered with a 10-4 run, stretching the lead to 70-54 and making a comeback pretty unlikely.
Nausadis’ Performance
Nausadis was the bright spot for American. His 22 points led all scorers and showed he can get buckets even against tough competition.
Team Effort
The Eagles didn’t go down easy. They fought to stay in it and showed some resilience, especially with that push early in the second half.
Looking Ahead
Wake Forest’s opener feels like a good sign for what’s coming. Mason and Spillers looked ready, and the team’s offensive approach mostly worked.
Still, they’ll need to tighten up their three-point shooting as the season rolls on and the competition gets stiffer.
Potential for Growth
Wake Forest looked sharp in their season opener. Mason and Spillers really stood out, showing flashes of what this team might become.
The team’s overall approach felt solid, and honestly, it’s hard not to wonder just how far the Demon Deacons could go this season. If they keep building on this start, they might end up surprising a lot of people.
For more details on the game, you can read the full article here.
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