Hunter Sallis leads Wake Forest to victory over NC State
- Cameron Hildreth scored 31 points, leading Wake Forest in their win over Miami.
- Wake Forest held a double-digit lead for much of the second half despite a late surge from Miami.
- This victory put Wake Forest on a three-game winning streak while Miami continues to search for a win.
On January 11, 2025, in Coral Gables, Florida, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons faced off against the Miami Hurricanes in an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) game. Cameron Hildreth led Wake Forest to an 88-78 victory, scoring an impressive 31 points on 11-for-16 shooting, including making 6 of 8 three-pointers. Hunter Sallis also contributed significantly to the win, adding 22 points, with his scoring being crucial in the final moments of the game. Miami, unfortunately, fell to 4-12, struggling with five consecutive losses as they attempt to improve their season performance. The win marked Wake Forest's third victory in their past four games, enhancing their record to 12-4 (4-1 ACC). The match featured a competitive atmosphere, highlighted by eight lead changes in the first half. Hildreth provided a strong start, and by halftime, Wake Forest held a 39-31 lead. Miami narrowed the gap in the final minutes; however, they could not overcome Wake Forest’s lead. Sallis's scoring burst, wherein he netted all 11 of the team's points within a critical 3 1/2-minute stretch, ultimately sealed the game for the Demon Deacons. Tre'Von Spillers and Efton Reid added to the offense with 17 and 10 points, respectively. Following this victory, Wake Forest's momentum has notably shifted, as they aim to extend their winning streak in their upcoming game against Stanford. Conversely, the defeat leaves Miami looking for answers as they prepare to face a formidable opponent in No. 4 Duke. Amidst their ongoing struggles, Miami's players, including Matthew Cleveland who led the team with 22 points, need to find a way to break this losing streak and establish more consistency in their game performance. Wake Forest's success in the matchup highlights their strengthened team dynamics and resilience, especially in crucial game situations, reflecting their determination to climb the ACC standings. In conclusion, the match proved significant not only for the win-loss records but also for the players’ confidence moving forward. Both teams are heading in different directions, with Wake Forest eyeing continued success, while Miami must regroup if they hope to turn their season around.