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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Senior Day at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum carried the emotion you might expect, but the game itself demanded something more from Wake Forest Demon Deacons. For long stretches, California Golden Bears men’s basketball threatened to spoil the afternoon.
Instead, Juke Harris delivered one of the most complete performances of his young career, powering Wake Forest to an 80–73 victory in the regular-season finale.
Harris dominated on both ends of the floor, finishing with 31 points and 15 rebounds, repeatedly answering every Cal push and helping the Demon Deacons rally from a second-half deficit. By the final minute, the home crowd was on its feet as Wake Forest closed the game at the free-throw line and secured the win.
Cal Controls the Early Tempo
The Golden Bears came out sharp, pushing the pace and forcing Wake Forest into uncomfortable possessions early in the first half. Cal’s ball movement created open looks from the perimeter, and the Bears briefly grabbed control with a string of transition baskets.
Wake Forest struggled to find a rhythm offensively during the opening stretch, but Harris kept the Deacons within striking distance. He attacked the rim aggressively and cleaned up missed shots on the glass, giving Wake Forest second-chance opportunities that kept the deficit manageable.
By halftime, the game remained tight, with Cal holding a slim lead and the crowd sensing the tension building inside the arena.
Harris Ignites the Second-Half Rally
Wake Forest came out of the locker room with renewed energy, and Harris immediately took command.
The sophomore forward scored on consecutive possessions early in the half, first with a powerful drive to the rim and then with a mid-range jumper that tied the game. Moments later, he grabbed an offensive rebound in traffic and converted a put-back that gave the Demon Deacons their first lead since the opening minutes.
That sequence sparked a momentum swing that shifted the entire tone of the game. Wake Forest tightened its defense, forced several turnovers, and pushed the ball in transition to build a narrow cushion.
Still, Cal refused to fade. The Golden Bears answered with timely three-pointers and kept the contest within a possession deep into the second half.
Free Throws Seal the Win
With under three minutes remaining, Wake Forest finally created separation. Harris pulled down another key rebound and kicked the ball out to reset the offense, leading to a crucial basket that pushed the lead to two possessions.
From there, the Demon Deacons stayed composed. Wake Forest knocked down a series of late free throws while the defense forced Cal into contested shots down the stretch.
When the final buzzer sounded, Wake Forest had secured an 80–73 victory, sending the home crowd out with a celebratory finish to the regular season.
A Statement Performance
Harris’ stat line told the story of the afternoon. His 31 points and 15 rebounds anchored the Deacons’ comeback and provided the steady presence Wake Forest needed whenever Cal threatened to regain control.
Beyond the numbers, it was his timing that proved decisive — scoring during key runs, dominating the glass, and helping the Demon Deacons maintain their composure during the game’s most critical moments.
With the regular season now complete, Wake Forest heads toward postseason play with momentum and confidence after a gritty home victory.
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