Sports > November 29, 2007

By Ryan Durham | Sports editor

Though it may not always look pretty, the men’s basketball team has been able to find ways to win, proving good defense can win games if you cannot get the ball in the basket.

Wake Forest moved to a 4-0 record with a 56-47 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge Nov. 26, after topping crosstown opponent Winston-Salem State Nov. 23, 73-53. Traveling all the way to Iowa City, the Deacons looked to face their biggest challenge so far this season. Wake Forest jumped out to an early lead, gaining a seven-point advantage five minutes into the first half, but had problems capitalizing on Hawkeye mistakes to extend their lead. Iowa went almost five complete minutes in the first half without scoring a point, but they also limited Wake Forest to only six points during this period. The Deacs kept control of the pace throughout the first half and were rewarded with a 33-17 lead at halftime. The second half proved much like the low scoring first, with neither team really being able to put the ball in the basket. Despite a late run by Iowa, Wake Forest hung on to win the matchup with the low score of 56-47.

Neither team shot well with the Deacs hitting just 33.9 percent of their shots and the Hawkeyes hitting 38 percent. Wake Forest turned the ball over 15 times while only recording six assists, but did manage to force 23 turnovers by Iowa and grab 12 steals. Sophomore Chas McFarland picked up the pace to lead the Deacs with 15 points, a career high, and eight rebounds on the night.

The Deacs started Thanksgiving week playing host to the Winston-Salem State Rams. Wake Forest took control of the game tempo early, quickly gaining a 5-0 lead. As the first half progressed, the Deacs slowly increased their lead with strong play from sophomore guard L.D. Williams, who had 13 points in the first half. This play help push the Deacons ahead of the Rams by 16 points at halftime, 36-20. The second half proved to be much like the first with the Deacs slowly increasing their lead over Winston-Salem State. Their lead increased to as many as 23 points in the half, and Wake Forest won the game with the comfortable margin of 75-53.

“I thought the game was hard-fought,” Head Coach Dino Gaudio said. “I was really, really pleased with our defense. I thought our kids did a terrific job of sitting down and guarding.”

Despite scoring 73 points, the team only shot 35.1 percent from the floor. Williams led the Deacs with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Freshman guard Jeff Teague also played an integral role in the win, scoring 15 and dishing out two assists.

The Deacs next play Charlotte Nov. 29 at Charlotte, followed by USC Upstate Dec. 1. Both games are at home.