Winston-Salem, N.C. – Kevin Miller’s impressive 23 points and Efton Reid’s double-double performance of 12 points and 14 rebounds in his season debut propelled Wake Forest to a commanding 76-57 victory over Rutgers on Wednesday.
Wake Forest (5-3) set the tone early with a 13-0 run in the opening minutes, showcasing Miller’s season-high four 3-pointers and a strong offensive start. Despite Rutgers making a comeback to narrow the gap to two points in the second half, the Demon Deacons responded with an 18-0 run, securing their third consecutive win.
In addition to Miller’s standout performance, Cameron Hildreth contributed 12 points and six assists, while Hunter Sallis added 11 points, and Andrew Carr finished with 10 points and six boards.
Reid, making his season debut after awaiting a transfer waiver, had an impactful outing, shooting 4-for-13 from the field and registering a career-high in rebounds with 14.
For Rutgers (5-3), Aundre Hyatt and Noah Fernandes led the scoring with 13 points each. Big man Clifford Omoruyi was limited to four points and four rebounds, both season lows.
Wake Forest’s strong start saw them establish an 18-3 lead, with Miller making two 3-pointers during the early 13-0 run. Oskar Palmquist’s 3-pointer ended Rutgers’ scoring drought, but Wake Forest maintained control with a 29-11 lead.
Rutgers gradually chipped away at the deficit in the first half, and Antwone Woolfolk’s layup and baseline jumper cut the lead to 37-31 by halftime.
The Scarlet Knights pulled within three early in the second half, but Wake Forest responded with an 8-0 run featuring 3-pointers by Sallis and Parker Friedrichsen, extending their lead to 50-39. Rutgers mounted a comeback as Fernandes scored nine consecutive points, bringing them within two at 50-48.
However, Rutgers struggled in the latter part of the game, going cold for over six minutes. Wake Forest capitalized, with Miller’s third 3-pointer and Carr’s three-point play contributing to an 18-0 run, securing a 68-48 lead with 4:35 left.
Rutgers endured a scoring drought, missing 10 straight shots in the second half. Wake Forest outshot the Scarlet Knights, posting a 42.9 percent shooting accuracy compared to Rutgers’ 37.5 percent. Wake Forest also dominated the boards, winning the rebounding battle 42-30.
