WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Ty-Laur Johnson sunk six consecutive free throws in the final 22 seconds, enabling Wake Forest to secure a narrow 76-74 victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday. This triumph marked the Demon Deacons’ seventh consecutive home win against the Panthers.

Pittsburgh entered this matchup with a record of having defeated Wake Forest in three of their last four encounters, including a decisive ACC tournament game that concluded the Demon Deacons’ season last year. However, the Panthers have struggled to claim a victory at Lawrence Joel Coliseum since they became a member of the ACC in the 2013-14 season.

The first half saw Pitt (14-7, 5-5) taking a slight edge with a 36-34 lead. Damian Dunn opened the second half with a three-pointer, extending Pitt’s lead to 39-34. In response, the Demon Deacons (16-6, 8-3) executed a remarkable 11-0 run, during which Johnson netted two three-pointers and Cameron Hildreth scored another off a pass from Johnson. Amidst a tightly contested game, Ishmael Leggett brought Pittsburgh back to a tie at 65 with two free throws at 2:22. However, Hunter Sallis quickly responded with a three-pointer, and Johnson set up Hildreth for a fastbreak layup, putting Wake Forest ahead by five points with under a minute left. Johnson then preserved the win at the free-throw line.

Hildreth was the standout performer for Wake Forest, scoring 24 points after hitting 7 of 12 shots, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and converting all his free throws (7 for 7). Johnson also made a significant contribution with 16 points, going 8 for 8 from the charity stripe, while Sallis added 13 points to the score. Notably, the Deacons improved their three-point shooting, making 8 of 19 attempts (42.1%), after entering the game with a 28% average.

For Pittsburgh, Dunn led the scoring with 24 points, hitting three three-pointers, and the team demonstrated remarkable efficiency at the free-throw line, converting all 20 attempts. Leggett contributed with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Jaland Lowe added 14 points and five rebounds.

Looking ahead, Wake Forest will face Stanford on Wednesday, while Pittsburgh will host Virginia on Monday.