The Deacons dispatched the Spartans 75-60 at the Greensboro Coliseum in the only meeting between the schools this decade.
Al-Farouq Aminu scored 23 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and added six blocks in an impressive individual showcase. He paced Wake to a 31-24 halftime lead before powering the second-half run that put UNCG away for good.
“I think it’s a good win for us coming off of Christmas,” Demon Deacons coach Dino Gaudio said.
The Deacons were tested by a Spartan club that ran out of gas late.
“I think we’re doing a real good job, but I know we’ve got to get better on the boards,” a self-critical Aminu said after the game. “The blocked shots are important because they lead into the fast break.”
L.D. Williams and Ari Stewart added 11 points each for Wake. C.J. Harris finished with 10.
Ben Stywall led UNCG’s talented trio of guards with 13 points, while Korey Van Dussen and Brandon Evans added 10. The Spartans narrowed the deficit to 61-54 with six minutes to play, but were unable to string together scores against the Deacon defense that set a single-game record with 16 blocks.
“Hopefully in our league, that penetration will be positive,” UNCG coach Mike Dement said. “But when their point guard (Ish Smith) blocks four shots, we’ve got a problem. Sixteen blocked shots – that’s amazing.”
Wake (9-2, 1-0) will host Richmond Thursday night. UNCG (2-9, 1-1) faces N.C. State Thursday followed by Maryland Sunday.
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