Winston-Salem, N.C. — In a strong showing, Hunter Sallis netted 20 points and Juke Harris contributed 17 from the bench as Wake Forest distanced themselves for a decisive 77-59 victory over N.C. State on Saturday.

With a mere four-point lead five minutes into the second half, Sallis ignited a scoring surge by netting six points, while Efton Reid added a three-point play and Ty-Laur Johnson sank a 3-pointer during a substantial 12-2 streak, pushing the Demon Deacons ahead 57-43. After this, the Wolfpack struggled to narrow the gap and Sallis sealed their fate with a jumper at the five-minute mark, establishing the largest lead of the game at 73-51.

For Wake Forest (11-4, 3-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference), Tre’Von Spillers added 12 points on an impressive 6-of-7 shooting performance, while the team collectively shot 58% in the second half and 55% overall. Harris showcased his prowess with an efficient 6-of-8 shooting.

N.C. State (8-6, 1-2) was spearheaded by Marcus Hill, who led his team with 14 points. Additionally, Dontgrez Styles contributed 11 points, and Michael O’Connell added 10. The Wolfpack struggled with shooting consistency, managing 48% in the first half but dropping to 33% after halftime.

The game began briskly for Wake Forest as they executed a 9-0 run highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers from Harris and Sallis, taking an early 19-4 lead. However, N.C. State responded with their own 9-0 run, closing the deficit to 30-28. As the first half came to a close, Harris and Cameron Hildreth capped off the scoring with two baskets, allowing Wake Forest to enter halftime with a 38-32 advantage.

After intermission, Hill and Taylor provided N.C. State with quick layups to trim the lead to just two points. Yet, Wake Forest quickly retaliated with a layup from Spillers followed by a 3-pointer from Sallis, which prompted a strong offensive push, culminating in a 12-point lead for the Demon Deacons when Sallis converted two free throws with 12:11 remaining.

Looking ahead, N.C. State is scheduled to host Notre Dame on Wednesday, while Wake Forest will travel to Miami next Saturday.