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Deacs Sink Navy in First Round of NIT
The Deacs defeated the Navy Midshipmen on Wednesday night 82-72 at home at the LJVM Coliseum in the first round of the NIT. Wake Forest was in control for most of this win, holding the lead for 94% of the game. Navy held the lead for only 15 seconds. Juke Harris had 26 points and Navy big man Aidan Kehoe was held to just 9 points. It is also worth noting that Coach Forbes went with a 7-man rotation against Navy. The Deacs largest lead was 17 points.
Standout Stats
Juke Harris led the way for the Deacs with 26 points on 7-13 shooting with 3-8 from three. Harris also had 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and a steal. Omaha Biliew had 15 points on 5-8 shooting while going 1-3 from beyond the arc. Biliew added 2 rebounds, an assist, and a block as well. Tre’Von Spillers had 14 points on an impressive 7-9 from the field. Spillers also had 9 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and 4 blocks.
Nate Calmese saw plenty of action, getting up to 32 minutes of playing-time against Navy. Calmese had 12 points on 4011 shooting and 208 from three. Calmese also had 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Myles Colvin hit two huge threes at big moments for the Deacs. Colvin had 11 points on 2-7 from beyond the arc. Colvin also went a perfect 5-5 from the free throw line.
As A Team
Despite giving up 10 rebounds to Naby big man Aidan Kehoe, the Deacs actually outrebounded the Midshipmen 36-31. As a team, the Deacs shot 48% percent from the field, 27% from three, and 95% from the free throw line. Every Demon Deacon player that saw 10 minutes or more recorded multiple rebounds. The Deacs had 17 assists on 27 field goals, good for 62.9%. The Deacs fared well on defense. Navy was held to 43% from the field, 32% from beyond the arc, and 69% from the free throw line. Navy also only had 12 assists as a team.
Moving Forward
The Deacs advance to the second round of the NIT after the win over Navy. Wake Forest will take on the Illinois State Redbirds on Sunday, March 22nd. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 430pm EST. The Redbirds went 21-12 this season, and are coming off an upset win over the Kent State Golden Flashes. The Redbirds finished 3rd in the Missouri Valley Conference standings this season. The game will once again be held at LJVM Coliseum, so make sure you show up to support the team.
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