Within Wake Tech's 98-86 win over Johnston Community College there were moments of brilliance. Speed, determination, relentless defense, points in transition- the Eagles presented an exciting style of basketball that may serve them well in conference play.
However, every action has an opposite reaction and that was on display as well. Turnovers, missed free throws, questionable shot selection- we got a glimpse of what could undermine everything the team is working to accomplish.
"It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win," said coach Wainwright after Wake Tech was able to thwart a gritty rally from the Jaguars to win their home opener, 98-86.
The game was, in theory, won by halftime. Wake Tech took a 17 point lead to the locker room. Everything was going right. Winning on the glass, outrunning JCC in transition, and finishing missed shots. That determined Wake Tech team suddenly disappeared once the lead ballooned to more than 20 just five minutes into the second half. The Jaguars turned up the pressure and went on a run that cut the lead to four with less than seven minutes to play.
If it wasn't for the Eagles finding their rhythm at the charity stripe, the final score would have been a lot closer.
Call it opening night jitters, but if Wake Tech decides to take their foot off the gas pedal against a conference foe they may not walk away with a win.
By the Numbers
Wake Tech
FG%: 47%
FT%: 56%
3-PT%: 10%
Team Rebounds: 55
Team Assists: 17
Team Turnovers: 20
Five Eagles scored in double figures: Carnell Watkins- 11, Koraan Clemonts- 18, Zion Jackson- 20, Nick Johnson- 10, Eddie Volkerts- 18.
Two Eagles with a double-double: Zion Jackson- 20 points, 12 rebounds. Nick Johnson- 10 points, 12 rebounds.
Player of the Game
via GIPHY
