“It’s been a tough week for us,” Wake coach Dino Gaudio said. “We’ve had guys miss practice during exams and study times. Friday was the first time this week that we had a full contingent of players, and we had them again Saturday. This week is a challenge for us, but we’ll meet it like any other challenge.”

Wake (5-2) upset the then-No. 17-ranked Zags on Dec. 5 behind freshmen C.J. Harris and Arie Stewart, who combined for 36 points. Harris, who has led the Deacons in scoring in four straight games, hit 13-of-15 free throws and scored 19 against the Zags. Stewart got 12 of his 17 points by going 4-for-4 from 3-point range.

Southern Conference member Elon is 3-6 after beating Chattanooga 82-63 last Saturday. Josh Bonney, a 5-foot-10 senior guard, leads the Phoenix in scoring (14.5 points per game) and assists (4.9).

Elon has suffered losses at the hands of Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Hofstra, Yale and UNC Wilmington.

Gaudio isn’t taking a victory for granted, especially in the aftermath of Wake’s loss to William & Mary two weeks ago.

“They are going to run motion offense,” Gaudio said. “They are a good half-court team. Our guys know that if we are not playing up to our capabilities that anyone can beat us, and surely Elon can. If we play hard and well, we can beat anyone in the country, as we showed when we won at Gonzaga.

“That’s where leadership comes in. They have to handle each game the same. That’s what it is going to take to beat Elon.”