Hunter Sallis delivered a stellar performance, scoring 27 points and leading Wake Forest to a commanding 75-58 victory over James Madison. Sallis was particularly dominant in the second half, where he scored 17 of his total points, helping the Demon Deacons pull away for a comfortable win. He also contributed 12 rebounds and five assists, proving to be a key factor in Wake Forest’s success.
James Madison Starts Strong, but Wake Forest Responds
James Madison (6-5) came out firing, making six of their first eight field-goal attempts. Bryce Lindsay, a Texas A&M transfer, knocked down a 3-pointer to give the Dukes an early 14-7 lead. However, Wake Forest remained composed and gradually chipped away at the deficit.
Sallis played a crucial role in keeping Wake Forest within striking distance. He scored back-to-back baskets near the end of the first half, cutting James Madison’s lead to just one point at 32-31 as both teams headed into halftime in a tightly contested battle.
Wake Forest Seizes Momentum in the Second Half
Wake Forest wasted no time in taking control after the break. Cameron Hildreth opened the second half with two free throws, giving Wake Forest its first lead of the game. The lead changed hands multiple times early in the half, but Hildreth’s layup at the 16:05 mark sparked a turning point.
Wake Forest then went on a dominant 13-0 scoring run, starting with Hildreth’s free throws and punctuated by a three-point play from Sallis. Davin Cosby Jr. and Hildreth knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers, pushing the Demon Deacons’ lead into double digits and forcing James Madison to play catch-up for the remainder of the game.
Hunter Sallis Vs. James Madison (image via Getty)James Madison Struggles to Keep Pace
The Dukes struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the second half. They endured a prolonged scoring drought of over four minutes, which allowed Wake Forest to build a sizable advantage. Eddie Ricks III ended the cold spell with a 3-pointer at the 12:22 mark, trimming the deficit to 50-41. However, Wake Forest quickly answered with consecutive baskets from Sallis and a 3-pointer from Cosby, extending the lead to 18 points with just under 10 minutes remaining.
From that point on, Wake Forest maintained full control, keeping a comfortable double-digit lead for the rest of the game and securing an impressive victory.
Wake Forest’s Offensive Firepower Shines
In addition to Sallis’ outstanding performance, Hildreth added 18 points, providing crucial offensive support. Cosby also made an impact with 13 points, showcasing Wake Forest’s well-balanced attack.
On the opposing side, Mark Freeman led James Madison with 14 points, while Luke Anderson and Elijah Hutchins-Everett contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
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