Tre'Von Spillers shines as Wake Forest defeats Minnesota for third place
- Tre'Von Spillers starred in the game, achieving a season-high 18 points and tying a personal best with 16 rebounds.
- Wake Forest managed to overpower Minnesota by showcasing strong rebounding skills, with 42 boards compared to Minnesota's 27.
- The victory allowed Wake Forest to secure third place at the ESPN Events Invitational and prepared them for an upcoming challenge against Texas A&M.
In Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on November 29, 2024, Wake Forest secured a significant victory against Minnesota with a final score of 57-51, claiming third place at the ESPN Events Invitational. Tre'Von Spillers led the charge for Wake Forest, registering a remarkable 18 points alongside 16 rebounds, matching his career high. This win marks Wake Forest's second victory against a Big Ten team this season, with a prior win against Michigan on November 10. The Demon Deacons demonstrated their dominance in rebounding, controlling the paint effectively with a total rebound count of 42 against Minnesota's 27, which proved crucial given their struggles from beyond the arc, only converting one out of 15 three-point attempts. Cameron Hildreth contributed significantly with 13 points, while Efton Reid III narrowly missed a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resilience throughout the match. On the other hand, Minnesota, now with a record of 5-3, faced challenges in their shooting efficiency, finishing the game with a combined shooting percentage of less than 42% and managing just four successful three-point shots out of 33 attempts. In the final moments, Hildreth's driving layup extended Wake Forest's lead, while Parker Friedrichsen's crucial free throws secured the win as time expired. Looking ahead, Wake Forest will face No. 20 Texas A&M on Tuesday, highlighting the competitive spirit of the team as they continue their season. Conversely, Minnesota is set to return home to play against Bethune-Cookman on Sunday, seeking to bounce back from this defeat.