Wake Forest Athletics
Sunday, March 22
4:30 p.m.
Wake Forest University
vs
Illinois State
Photo by: SethSeebaugh
Wake Forest Set to Host Illinois State in Second Round NIT Matchup
3/21/2026 11:58:00 AM | Men's Basketball
This will mark the second-ever meeting between the Demon Deacons and Redbirds.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest men's basketball will continue NIT play at LJVM Coliseum, as the Demon Deacons are set to host Illinois State on Sunday in the second round.
Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and the matchup will air nationally on ESPN2.
Last Time Out
Five Demon Deacons reached double figures to help lead Wake Forest past Navy in the first round of the NIT by a score of 82-72 on Wednesday night.
Sophomore guard Juke Harris led the Deacs in scoring as he finished the game with 26 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while also going 9-for-10 from the line. The Salisbury, N.C., native also logged six rebounds and a steal while leading the team with five assists.
Senior forward Tre'Von Spillers ended the game with a near double-double as he totaled 14 points and nine rebounds on an effective 7-for-9 shooting. The Charleston, S.C., native was a force defensively against the Midshipmen as he matched his career high with four blocks while also tallying a steal.
Junior forward Omaha Biliew added 15 points while going 5-of-8 from the floor, as well as two rebounds, an assist and a block. Meanwhile, senior guard Nate Calmese recorded 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals in his first start since January 27 against Pitt.
The Demon Deacons stifled the Navy offense throughout the game as they held the Midshipmen to 28-for-65 (43.1 percent) from the field, including 7-of-22 (31.8 percent) from beyond the arc. The Deacs also forced 11 turnovers and recorded five steals and five blocks.
The LJVM Advantage
Wake Forest men's basketball has built one of college basketball's premier home court advantages over the last five seasons, as the Demon Deacons have collected 74 victories at LJVM Coliseum since 2021.
The 74 home victories are tied for the seventh-most nationally during that span and second-most amongst ACC programs.
Turning Them Over
Wake Forest's active defense has recorded 425 turnovers so far this season, fourth-most in the ACC.
Juke Is Gonna Juke
Sophomore guard Juke Harris has earned numerous honors this season for his breakout campaign, including being the second ACC Most Improved Player in program history and earning All-ACC second-team honors. Additionally, he is Wake Forest's fifth-straight NABC All-South Atlantic first-team selection.
Harris is one of just three players in program history to score more than 700 points in a single season, joining Wake Forest Sports Hall of Famers Dickie Hemric and Len Chappell.
Most Points Scored In Single Season In School History
Harris is one of just six players nationally – and one of two guards – to average more than 21 points and six rebounds per game.
Players Averaging 21 Points, 6 Rebounds Per Game This Season
After averaging 6.1 points per game against a freshman, Harris' 15.4 points per game increase this year is the largest of any player at the Division I level.
Scoring Increase Leaders (Nationally)
Series History: Wake Forest vs. Illinois State
The Redbirds have won 21 games this season, marking the second-straight year Illinois State has earned more than 20 victories.
Three Illinois State players average double figures in scoring, led by Chase Walker's 13.7 points per game. The Ohio native has scored 12 or more points in 11 of his last 14 appearances.
Television Information
Sunday's game will air on ESPN2 with Mike Corey and Dennis Scott on the call. Fans can follow along via the Demon Deacons Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts (@WakeMBB).
Accessibility Information
Wake Forest Athletics strives to provide content at games, social media and on GoDeacs.com that is accessible to all people. In the continued effort to improve accessibility of the technology and digital content at tomorrow's game, fans can access closed captions here for the public address announcer and in-venue content.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available at GoDeacs.com/Tickets, or by calling 336-758-3322. Tickets are $25 each for reserved lower level and $15 each for youth under 18. Season ticket holders and Deacon Club ILC members and Volunteer Army should check their email for exclusive pre-sale information.
Wake Forest students are able to claim a complimentary ticket through the Screamin' Demon rewards app, courtesy of generous Deacon Club donors. Supplies are limited and tickets will be $15 each for students when all complimentary tickets have been claimed.
Important Parking Updates
Parking will be available for $10 per vehicle in the Allegacy, Pepsi and Starry lots and may be purchased with advance ticket orders, or upon arrival.
Amid ongoing construction and roadway improvements related to The Grounds — a transformational mixed-use development that began construction in late 2024, including the recently announced Creekside apartment development — Wake Forest Athletics has realigned gameday parking and traffic patterns to reflect changes along the new Deacon Boulevard.
All fans are encouraged to review the updated 2025-26 parking maps, lot assignments, and entry points by visiting godeacs.com/bballparking. This resource includes interactive maps, helpful FAQs, and tips to ensure a smooth and efficient arrival experience.
If you have questions or need assistance with your parking assignment, please don't hesitate to contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 or email tix@wfu.edu. Our staff is here to help you prepare for an unforgettable gameday in DEACTOWN!
Up Next
If Wake Forest advances, the Demon Deacons will play the winner of Dayton vs. UNCW in the quarterfinals of the NIT.
Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and the matchup will air nationally on ESPN2.
Last Time Out
Five Demon Deacons reached double figures to help lead Wake Forest past Navy in the first round of the NIT by a score of 82-72 on Wednesday night.
Sophomore guard Juke Harris led the Deacs in scoring as he finished the game with 26 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while also going 9-for-10 from the line. The Salisbury, N.C., native also logged six rebounds and a steal while leading the team with five assists.
Senior forward Tre'Von Spillers ended the game with a near double-double as he totaled 14 points and nine rebounds on an effective 7-for-9 shooting. The Charleston, S.C., native was a force defensively against the Midshipmen as he matched his career high with four blocks while also tallying a steal.
Junior forward Omaha Biliew added 15 points while going 5-of-8 from the floor, as well as two rebounds, an assist and a block. Meanwhile, senior guard Nate Calmese recorded 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals in his first start since January 27 against Pitt.
The Demon Deacons stifled the Navy offense throughout the game as they held the Midshipmen to 28-for-65 (43.1 percent) from the field, including 7-of-22 (31.8 percent) from beyond the arc. The Deacs also forced 11 turnovers and recorded five steals and five blocks.
The LJVM Advantage
Wake Forest men's basketball has built one of college basketball's premier home court advantages over the last five seasons, as the Demon Deacons have collected 74 victories at LJVM Coliseum since 2021.
The 74 home victories are tied for the seventh-most nationally during that span and second-most amongst ACC programs.
| Rank | ACC Program | Home Wins Since 2021-22 |
| 1. | Duke | 78 |
| 2. | Wake Forest | 74 |
| 3. | North Carolina | 71 |
| 4. | Virginia | 67 |
| 5. | Clemson | 66 |
Wake Forest's active defense has recorded 425 turnovers so far this season, fourth-most in the ACC.
| Rank | ACC School | Total Turnovers Forced |
| 1. | Florida State | 450 |
| 2. | NC State | 434 |
| 3. | Miami | 429 |
| 4. | Wake Forest | 425 |
| 5. | Duke | 420 |
Sophomore guard Juke Harris has earned numerous honors this season for his breakout campaign, including being the second ACC Most Improved Player in program history and earning All-ACC second-team honors. Additionally, he is Wake Forest's fifth-straight NABC All-South Atlantic first-team selection.
Harris is one of just three players in program history to score more than 700 points in a single season, joining Wake Forest Sports Hall of Famers Dickie Hemric and Len Chappell.
Most Points Scored In Single Season In School History
| Rank | Name | Year | Points |
| 1. | Len Chappell | 1961-62 | 932 |
| 2. | Dickie Hemric | 1954-55 | 746 |
| 3. | Len Chappell | 1960-61 | 745 |
| 4. | Juke Harris | 2025-26 | 730 |
| 5. | Charlie Davis | 1970-71 | 690 |
Players Averaging 21 Points, 6 Rebounds Per Game This Season
| Player | School | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game |
| Juke Harris | Wake Forest | 21.5 | 6.5 |
| Cameron Boozer | Duke | 22.5 | 10.3 |
| AJ Dybantsa | BYU | 25.5 | 6.8 |
| JT Toppin | Texas Tech | 21.8 | 10.8 |
| Nick Martinelli | Northwestern | 23.0 | 6.2 |
| Jordan Riley | ECU | 23.6 | 6.0 |
Scoring Increase Leaders (Nationally)
| Rank | Player | School | Points Per Game Increase |
| 1. | Juke Harris | Wake Forest | 15.4 |
| 2. | Darin Smith Jr. | Central Connecticut | 14.7 |
| 3. | Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn | UNLV | 14.5 |
| 4. | Kamrin Oriol | North Florida | 13.9 |
| 5. | Tyler Tanner | Vanderbilt | 13.6 |
- All-Time Record vs. Illinois State: 0-1
- Last Matchup: Jan. 24, 1976 (Illinois St. won 81-79)
The Redbirds have won 21 games this season, marking the second-straight year Illinois State has earned more than 20 victories.
Three Illinois State players average double figures in scoring, led by Chase Walker's 13.7 points per game. The Ohio native has scored 12 or more points in 11 of his last 14 appearances.
Television Information
Sunday's game will air on ESPN2 with Mike Corey and Dennis Scott on the call. Fans can follow along via the Demon Deacons Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts (@WakeMBB).
Accessibility Information
Wake Forest Athletics strives to provide content at games, social media and on GoDeacs.com that is accessible to all people. In the continued effort to improve accessibility of the technology and digital content at tomorrow's game, fans can access closed captions here for the public address announcer and in-venue content.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available at GoDeacs.com/Tickets, or by calling 336-758-3322. Tickets are $25 each for reserved lower level and $15 each for youth under 18. Season ticket holders and Deacon Club ILC members and Volunteer Army should check their email for exclusive pre-sale information.
Wake Forest students are able to claim a complimentary ticket through the Screamin' Demon rewards app, courtesy of generous Deacon Club donors. Supplies are limited and tickets will be $15 each for students when all complimentary tickets have been claimed.
Important Parking Updates
Parking will be available for $10 per vehicle in the Allegacy, Pepsi and Starry lots and may be purchased with advance ticket orders, or upon arrival.
Amid ongoing construction and roadway improvements related to The Grounds — a transformational mixed-use development that began construction in late 2024, including the recently announced Creekside apartment development — Wake Forest Athletics has realigned gameday parking and traffic patterns to reflect changes along the new Deacon Boulevard.
All fans are encouraged to review the updated 2025-26 parking maps, lot assignments, and entry points by visiting godeacs.com/bballparking. This resource includes interactive maps, helpful FAQs, and tips to ensure a smooth and efficient arrival experience.
If you have questions or need assistance with your parking assignment, please don't hesitate to contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 or email tix@wfu.edu. Our staff is here to help you prepare for an unforgettable gameday in DEACTOWN!
Up Next
If Wake Forest advances, the Demon Deacons will play the winner of Dayton vs. UNCW in the quarterfinals of the NIT.
Players Mentioned
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