Oct 12, 2021; Charlotte, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Isaiah Mucius (1) speaks to the media at the ACC Tip Off at Charlotte Marriott City Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Wake Forest must have reached a creative part of the schedule because the Demon Deacons are finding new ways to win.
They’ll try to add to the win column when they meet Charlotte on Friday night in the nightcap of the Basketball Hall of Fame Shootout. This will be a neutral-site matchup because it will be held at the NBA arena in uptown Charlotte.
With a 10-1 record, this marks Wake Forest’s best 11-game start to a season since an undefeated mark at that stage in 2008-09.
“We are 10-1,” coach Steve Forbes said. “We’re taking care of our business.”
Wake Forest hasn’t won more than 13 games in any of the past four seasons, so the winning pace is on the fast track so far.
“I haven’t had 10 wins early (in a season), so it has been an amazing feeling,” senior forward Isaiah Mucius said. “I’m just so happy to be in this position right now.”
Wake Forest bounced back from a double-digit second-half deficit to defeat visiting Virginia Military Institute 77-70 on Tuesday night.
That included a career-high 36 points from Alondes Williams, a transfer from Oklahoma.
Williams’ impact continues to grow for the Demon Deacons.
“It makes the game easier for all of us,” Mucius said. “It’s amazing to play with him. He’s so unselfish.”
It was also vital because Wake Forest was without Jake LaRavia, who’s the team’s second-leading scorer at 14.0 points per game. He is in health and safety protocols, coach Steve Forbes confirmed.
Williams is averaging 19.8 points per game.
Charlotte (5-4) has won two of three games this month. It’s coming off Saturday’s 68-67 win at Valparaiso.
“There are still areas we drastically need to improve in, and we’ll keep on addressing those as we march forward,” Charlotte coach Ron Sanchez said.
This will be the fifth meeting in six seasons between the teams, who didn’t clash last year. Charlotte won 67-65 two years ago at home for just the third win in 11 all-time matchups.
–Field Level Media