Wake Forest jumps out early, beats Clemson 85-77

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Wake Forest guard Sebastian Akins (10) drives to the basket past Clemson guard Jestin Porter (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

Wake Forest forward Juke Harris (2) drives to the basket against Clemson forward Jake Wahlin (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser) — Wake Forest guard Sebastian Akins (10) drives to the basket past Clemson guard Jestin Porter (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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9:03 PM on Wednesday, February 18

The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Juke Harris scored 20 points to lead five Demon Deacons in double-figure scoring, and Wake Forest jumped out early and cruised past Clemson 85-77 on Wednesday night.

Clemson trailed by as many as 20 points midway through the first half and were down 13 at halftime. The Tigers opened the second half on a 9-1 surge to pull to 46-41 but didn’t get closer.

Sebastian Akins added 16 points for Wake Forest, which shot 55% (28 of 51) overall. Myles Colvin made four 3-pointers and scored all 14 of his points in the first half for the Demon Deacons. Mekhi Mason finished with 13 points and Tre’Von Spillers scored 10.

Wake Forest (14-12, 5-8 Atlantic Coast Conference) has won three consecutive games since ending a five-game skid. Clemson (20-7, 10-4) has lost three straight.

Jake Wahlin made three 3-pointers and scored 17 points to lead Clemson. Carter Welling and Ace Buckner added 13 points apiece.

Wake Forest took the lead for good about two minutes in and used a 22-8 opening run to help build a 45-32 halftime lead. The Demon Deacons had their largest lead, 45-25, with 2:27 left before halftime. Wahlin scored nine first-half points for Clemson.

Wake Forest shot 67% (18 of 27) overall in the first half and made 6 of 12 from long range.

Up next

Clemson hosts Florida State on Saturday.

Wake Forest is on the road Saturday to face Virginia Tech.

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