RUTGERS 81 – WAKE FOREST 57
Five different players were in double-figures and Rutgers shot 58.5 percent from the floor as the Scarlet Knights defeated Wake Forest for the first time ever in dominating fashion 81-57.
“I’m proud of these guys, it hasn’t been easy. They played great basketball against a team that is well-coached. We’re locked in,” Head Coach Steve Pikiell said.
Coming off of two heart-breaking losses by a combined three points to Ohio State and Seton Hall, Rutgers left no-doubt on the floor Saturday afternoon, with a complete team performance that Pikiell and the Scarlet Knights have been looking for.
Rutgers jumped out to a fast 7-2 lead thanks to a pair of turnovers by Wake Forest that Rutgers converted into a pair of buckets by Caleb McConnell.
A few minutes later, Cam Spencer made Wake Forest pay by converting another turnover into a long distance jumper that put RU up 11-4. Paul Mulcahy followed with a jumper of his own. Finally, Aundre Hyatt nailed a three-pointer that doubled-up the Demon Deacons 16-8.
Rutgers would lead by as much as 17 points in the first half, and steadily increased that lead to the final 24-point deficit when the final buzzer sounded.
Cam Spencer had a huge afternoon. He was a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor including 2-for-2 from downtown and 3-for-3 from the charity strip. Spencer finished with 15 points.
Clifford Omoruyri had 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting; Caleb McConnell had 13 points; Paul Mulcahy and Aundre Hyatt each had 10 points a piece in the win.
Rutgers was tenacious defensively, forcing 16 turnovers, 14 steals and hold Wake Forest to 40 percent shooting.
