In the ACC opener for both teams involved the Demon Deacons handled NC State, led by Ishmael Smith and Al-Farouq Aminu. Wake Forest held the lead for the vast majority of the game with the lead fluctuating from double digits to as close as four in the second half.
Wake Forest switched between streaks of solid play and sloppy play but was eventually able to handle the Wolfpack. Aminu posted a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, however he continues to frustrate fans with his inability to control the ball (eight turnovers). Ish Smith had 10 points to go with his seven assists and two huge blocks. His speed facilitated multiple fast breaks and easy buckets. When Ishmael and Farouq ran they collaborated on a couple highlight reel dunks (12:10 and 9:30 to go in the second half).
State was led by Javier Gonzalez and his 18 points. Javier's late shooting helped trim Wake's lead late in the game, and give the Deacon fans some cause for concern. Tracy Smith saw limited action due to foul trouble most of the game, finally fouling out with over five minutes left. Despite his reduced minutes he still produced 11 points and 10 rebounds. He ended the game as NC State's leading rebounder.
Wake Forest's offense struggled most of the game, ending up shooting 42.6 percent from the field, 27.3 percent from deep, and an abysmal 52.2 percent from the free throw line. On the other hand the defense helped keep State from shooting below 34 percent as a team. Wake Forest's glaring problems of ball control and free throw shooting continue to show up but the team has now won four in a row. Eventually, the propensity for giving the ball up will haunt the Deacons but for now the talent on the team has overcome the faults.
