WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Hunter Sallis delivered an impressive performance with 23 points, while Cameron Hildreth contributed an additional 18, helping Wake Forest secure an 85-80 victory over South Carolina Upstate on Wednesday evening.

Karmani Gregory closed the gap for the Spartans with a three-pointer that made it 81-80 with just 28 seconds remaining. Sallis quickly responded by sinking two free throws. On the next possession, Hildreth seized a rebound from Breylin Garcia’s missed layup and added another pair of free throws to ensure the win.

Sallis, a senior guard who previously contributed vital free throws in a narrow 72-70 triumph over Michigan, was just 44 points away from reaching the 1,000 career points milestone. Against the Spartans, he showcased his shooting skills by hitting 9 of 14 shots from the field and converting all four of his free throw attempts.

Davin Cosby supported the team with 15 points, while Efton Reid III made his mark with 14 points and secured eight rebounds for Wake Forest, who now stands at a record of 4-0.

Leading South Carolina Upstate (1-3), Mister Dean tallied 24 points, achieving 10 of 14 in field goals, while Brit Harris contributed 16 points.

Wake Forest maintained a lead of up to 10 points in the first half and entered halftime with a narrow advantage of 41-38. Sallis led the way with 13 points, while Hildreth added nine. Dean was a significant contributor for the Spartans in the first half, scoring 10 points.

The Demon Deacons recorded a shooting percentage of 51% by hitting 28 of 55 attempts overall and capitalized on 14 points off 17 turnovers, despite struggling somewhat at the free-throw line by missing 11 attempts (22 of 33).