Wake Forest vs. BYU: Game Thread
Big game for the Deacs tonight. I'm watching it on ACC select and will comment at each of the media timeouts. Go Deacs!
1st & 2nd Media Timeout - 11:58 - Seen a lot of good things early and a couple of things that scare me. I love the way Chas is playing all over the floor and the good steals we've gotten. We've been getting good inside shots for the most part and making some smart passes.
I was surprsied to see Cam Stanley as the first sub, I don't know what that's about. We have taken some typically bad shots (particularly one from Ish, but also Teauge and Johnson). Too many easy buckets on the defensive end and we need to rebound better. Other than that I'm pretty impressed. Being tied early on BYU is nothing ot be ashamed of, they're clearly a strong team. At the 2nd time out less than a minute later the Deacs lead 17-13, BYU at the line after a foul.
3rd Media Timeout - 6:53 - Another good run for the Deacs! Jeff Teague somehow made a three pointer on what was supposed to be an ally-oop pass to LD. We'll take it! LD has played well and the defense has continue to be strong. We've even hit a couple of outside shots and lead 28-19. This is really a great performance so far.
The question now becomes whether or not the Deacs can keep up this level of play for a full 40 minutes. We haven't really seen it yet this year.
Final timeout - aprox 3:00 - Everyone has been making big defensive plays for the Deacs. James Johnson and Chas McFarland have each had a couple of big blocks, but the Deacs need to make sure not give up second chance points on the defensive end. A couple of bad offensive posession and just like that BYU was right back in the game.
Teague had a great series with another steal off an inbound pass to JJ for an easy dunk. Big plays like this are a lot of fun to see and four quick points does wonders for a team's confidence. It also helps to be able to take three straight charges.
Chas McFarland had one of the best assists I've seen by a Wake big man in awhile before to give the Deacs an eight point lead, 34-26.
Halftime - Another run at the end of the half included back to back threes from James Johnson and a fast break assist to Ishmael Smith, a Teague three and a good baseline shot from Chas. Even when BYU would make a shot it didn't rattle the Deacs who make shots like I haven't seen them do since the last 1:22 of the VT game.
If I'd told you Wake would lead by 17 at halftime you would have laughed at me. Thankfully it's true. Who is this team? Will they return in the 2nd half? I certainly hope so!
Deacs lead, 49-32. Incredible.
2nd Half - 7:55 remaining - Well it hasn't been quite as impressive so far in the 2nd half but the Deacs are still playing well. The shooting hasn't seemed to be quite as perfect as it was in the first half, although the defense has continued to play well.
With a 61-47 lead the Deacs are in a comfortable spot but can't relax yet. They need to finish the half strong.
