Wake Forest University
EA Sports (Exhibition)
Men's Hoops Races Past EA Sports, 100-80
11/3/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 3, 2003
Final Stats?|? Quotes?|? Notes
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest sophomore Justin Gray poured in a game high 19 points, including 17 in the first half, to pace four players in double figures as the Demon Deacons raced past EA Sports, 100-80, in their first exhibition game of the 2003 season Monday night.
Gray knocked down 6-for-9 from the field in the first half as Wake Forest jumped out to a 52-31 lead at halftime. The Demon Deacons shot a blistering 61% (22-for-36) in the opening 20 minutes.
Gray would quiet down after halftime, scoring just two points, but sophomore Eric Williams, junior Vytas Danelius and junior Taron Downey picked up the scoring and all finished with double figures.
Williams, who had just two points at halftime, went 5-for-11 from the floor and 4-of-5 from the free throw line to score 14 points. Williams also grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots. Danelius also caught fire in the second half. The forward poured in 10 points in the final 20 minutes, including a 3-pointer. Danelius finished 4-for-8 from the floor, 5-of-8 from the line and corralled seven rebounds.
Downey was the final Deacon in double figures. The junior tallied 12 points, four steals, three rebounds and two assists. Downey was 5-for-6 from the field and 2-for-2 from 3-point territory.
Jamaal Levy, Todd Hendley and Trent Strickland all chipped in nine points apiece. Strickland went a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor in 13 minutes off the bench, while Levy and Hendley were 4-for-5 and 4-for-7, respectively. Levy also grabbed a game-high tying seven boards.
Wake Forest shot 59.4% (38-for-64) from the field, including 5-for-12 from behind the 3-point arc. The Deacs limited EA Sports to just 40.5% (30-for-74) from the floor and 29.2% (7-for-24) from 3-point territory. Wake Forest also forced 18 turnovers and out-rebounded EA Sports by a convincing, 50-30.
All 14 players for the Demon Deacons saw action. Freshman Chris Paul scored six points and dished out a game best eight assists.
Wake Forest returns to action Saturday night, Nov. 8, against Athletes in Action. Tip-off at the Joel Coliseum is set for 7 p.m.
