Jan. 9, 2009

Complete Release in PDF Format

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - No. 4-ranked Wake Forest will open ACC play against No. 3-ranked North Carolina on Sunday, Jan. 11, at the Joel Coliseum. The game, which will tip-off at 8 p.m., will be broadcast nationally on FSN Sunday Night Hoops. The contest is also available on the Wake Forest ISP Radio Network.

The Deacons (13-0) are coming off a 94-87 win at Brigham Young on Saturday, Jan. 3, in Provo, Utah. The victory snapped the Cougars' 53-game home court winning streak, which had stood as the nation's longest.

Facing a hostile crowd of 23,096--which was the largest ever for a Wake road game--the Deacons had to rally back from an eight-point second half deficit. Jeff Teague led the way, scoring 30 points on the night.

James Johnson posted his second straight double-double with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Al-Farouq Aminu, who is the reigning ACC Rookie of the Week, had 14 points and seven boards.

North Carolina comes to town sporting a record of 14-1 overall and 0-1 in ACC play. The Tar Heels opened ACC play with an 85-78 home loss to Boston College last weekend before taking down College of Charleston, 108-70, on Wednesday in Chapel Hill.

North Carolina leads the all-time series with Wake, 151-63. Dating back to the 1910-11 season, the series is being renewed for the 215th time.

Quickie Notes
- Wake Forest is beginning a stretch that sees the Deacons play three straight opponents ranked in this week's top 25. Including Duke on Jan. 28, four of Wake's next five opponents are currently ranked.
- The Deacs have won eight straight home games against in-state opponents. UNC handed Wake its last such loss on Jan. 24, 2007.

Next Up...
Wake Forest will hit the road for two straight games away from the Joel Coliseum. The Demon Deacons will be at No. 17/24 Boston College on Jan. 14 and at No. 12/11 Clemson on Jan. 17. Wake returns home to host Virginia Tech on Jan. 21 and then No. 2/2 Duke on Jan. 28.