Wake Forest Edges Boston College in ACC Opener

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — In a thrilling Atlantic Coast Conference matchup, Wake Forest managed to secure a 72-66 victory over Boston College, with Efton Reid III and Cameron Hildreth each sinking crucial free throws in the last 30 seconds of the game on Saturday.

After suffering a defeat to No. 22 Texas A&M in the ACC/SEC Challenge, Wake Forest improved its record to 8-3 for the season. Historically, they have a solid track record against Boston College, boasting a 16-12 advantage in regular-season encounters. The Eagles fell to 6-4 after this contest.

The game was tightly contested, with the score locked at 55-55 when Parker Friedrichsen fouled Fred Payne in the backcourt with just under ten minutes remaining. Payne capitalized by converting all three free throws. In response, Hildreth sank three out of four free throws, and Friedrichsen subsequently hit a three-pointer that put the Deacons ahead 59-55, a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the game.

With only 35 seconds left on the clock, Elijah Strong tapped in two free throws to narrow the margin to 68-66. He then created a turnover that allowed Payne to go to the line, but Payne’s free throw attempt fell short. Reid retrieved the rebound and made both of his free throw attempts. Hildreth later secured a missed three-pointer from Strong and closed the deal with two more successful free throws.

Hildreth was the standout player for the Demon Deacons, finishing the game with a remarkable 22 points and 10 rebounds, achieving personal season highs. His performance included an impressive 14 for 18 from the free-throw line. Juke Harris contributed 12 points, making 3 of 5 attempts from three-point range, while both Reid and Tre’Von Spillers added 11 points each. As a team, Wake Forest shot 44.7% from the field, making 21 out of 47 shots and performed well at the charity stripe, hitting 25 out of 34 attempts.

Conversely, Boston College struggled offensively, recording just 21 out of 57 attempts from the field, translating to 36.8%, though they found some success from beyond the arc, sinking 12 out of 30 three-point attempts. Strong led the Eagles’ scoring with 18 points, connecting on 4 of 9 deep shots, while Donald Hand Jr. contributed 13 points with three three-pointers. Payne rounded out the Eagles’ efforts with 12 points.

Looking ahead, Wake Forest will face James Madison on December 17, while Boston College is set to host Stonehill on December 15.