Zags fall to Demon Deacons

Wake Forest ended Gonzaga’s five-game winning streak with a wild 77-75 win Saturday afternoon at the McCarthey Athletic Center.

Gonzaga was in command, 31-22, late in the first half when Matt Bouldin was whistled for a foul contesting C.J. Harris’ 3-pointer and Elias Harris was ejected for a forearm to the neck of Demon Deacon center Chas McFarland on the rebound. Wake Forest capitalized by making 4 of 5 free throws and Ari Stewart drained a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession.

Another Stewart 3-pointer gave Wake Forest a 34-33 halftime lead. Wake Forest lead by as many as 14, 55-41, before the Zags staged a furious comeback, fueled by four 3-pointers by Bol Kong.

GU had a couple of chances to tie it late. Steven Gray was fouled on a 3-pointer with 8.1 seconds left. After making the first free throw he missed the next two and GU trailed 76-74. After a Stewart free throw, Matt Bouldin made 1 of 2 free throws, missing the second on purpose, but it failed to hit the rim, giving Wake Forest possession. 

Matt Bouldin led the Zags with 22 points. C.J. Harris, who made 13 of 15 free throws, finished with 19, and Stewart added 17.

Game story in about two hours.