Texas Tech Edges Wake Forest 84-83 in Bahamas showcase
NASSAU, Bahamas – A clutch performance at the free-throw line in the final 90 seconds propelled Texas Tech to an 84-83 victory over Wake forest on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Bahamas Showcase.The red Raiders overcame a strong shooting night from Wake Forest and a first-half defensive surge by the Demon Deacons to secure the narrow win.
The victory marks the fourth time in five games this season that Texas Tech has connected on at least a dozen 3-pointers, finishing the night 12 of 35 from beyond the arc.For Wake Forest,the loss continues a long drought,as the Demon Deacons haven’t defeated an AP Top 25-ranked opponent on the road since 2015. Texas Tech will now advance to face No. 1 purdue on Friday, while Wake Forest will compete in the consolation game against Memphis.
Wake Forest initially responded to Texas Tech’s hot start – the Red Raiders opened the game making their first three 3-point attempts – by tightening their defense. The Demon Deacons held Texas Tech to just 2 of 18 from deep for the remainder of the first half, sparking a 10-0 run capped by a dunk from Marqus Marion. This effort brought Wake Forest within a single point at halftime.
The second half began with a 3-pointer from Mekhi Mason, giving Wake Forest its first lead and initiating a 13-5 run. However, texas Tech battled back, tying the game at 81-81 with 2:08 remaining on a 3-pointer from Jaylen Petty. A mid-range jumper by Anderson, followed by 6 of 8 triumphant free throws in the final 90 seconds, ultimately sealed the victory for the Red Raiders.
Juke Harris led Wake Forest with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Myles Colvin added 19 points. Jaylen Petty and Hunter Dickinson contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Demon deacons. For Texas Tech, Anderson led all scorers, while Petty chipped in with 13 points.
Despite entering the game ranked ninth nationally in 3-point defense, allowing opponents to shoot just 23.1% from beyond the arc, Wake Forest struggled to contain Texas Tech’s perimeter attack, which finished at 34.3% from three.
