Wake Forest throttles Louisville 90-65 before biggest test yet against No. 4 North Carolina
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Hunter Sallis scored 19 points, Andrew Carr scored 18 points and Wake Forest drubbed Louisville 90-65 on Saturday in a tuneup for its tilt at No. 4 North Carolina.
The Demon Deacons (13-5, 5-2 ACC) have yet to face a Top 25 opponent this season.
Wake Forest entered Saturday's game as the highest scoring team in the conference and continued its offensive tendencies, making 18-of-35 (51.4%) 3-pointers which was one shy of tying a program record for made 3s.
In his first game action in a year since a serious knee injury, Damari Monsanto came off the bench to score 12 points for the Demon Deacons going 4 for 6 from beyond the arc. Kevin Miller and Efton Reid III each scored 11 for Wake Forest. Guard Cameron Hidreth grabbed 11 rebounds and distributed six assists for the Demon Deacons, who led by double figures the entire second half.
Tre White led Louisville (6-12, 1-6) with 17 points, Mike James scored 16 and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield 12. Louisville made just 2 of 11 from 3-point range.
After White's jump shot brought the Cardinals to within 16-14 with 11:11 left before halftime, Sallis responded with a 3-pointer and that started a 2 1/2-minute, 12-2 run for the Demon Deacons. Following Sallis, reserve Parker Friedrichsen wrapped a pair of 3s around one from Monsanto.
Wake continued its 3-ball onslaught and went to intermission with a 48-33 advantage, shooting 16 for 30 (53.3%) including 10 for 19 (52.6%) from beyond the arc.
The Wake Forest-North Carolina showdown takes place on Monday.
The Cardinals' path doesn't get easier as they host hosts No. 7 Duke on Tuesday.
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