Wake Forest Edges Postseason Rookie

Tony Rutland scored 20 points and Wake Forest overcame 36 percent shooting to defeat North Carolina-Wilmington 56-52 Thursday night in the first round of the NIT.

Robert O’Kelley, the Atlantic Coast Conference rookie of the year, added 19 for the Demon Deacons (16-13), who will play hosts to Vanderbilt in the second round on Tuesday.

Mark Byington scored 18 to lead the Seahawks (20-11), who were playing in their first-ever postseason game.

Wilmington shot 35 percent from the field and was outrebounded 44-23.