Wake Forest beats VCU

Chris Paul scored 16 points despite taking just three shots from the field Thursday to help No. 2 Wake Forest beat Virginia Commonwealth 81-67 in the Preseason NIT at Winston-Salem, N.C.

Paul hit 14 of 15 free throws and had five assists for the Demon Deacons (2-0), who head to New York for next week’s semifinal matchup with Providence, an 89-52 winner over Pennsylvania.

Justin Gray added 14 points and was one of five Wake Forest players in double figures.

Alexander Harper led the Rams (1-1) with 17 points.

(5) Syracuse 71, (12) Miss. St. 58: At New York, Hakim Warrick scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half and the Orange (3-0) beat the Bulldogs (2-1) in the semifinals of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.

(24) Memphis 81, Saint Mary’s 66: At New York, Rodney Carney scored a career-high 33 points and the Tigers (3-0) beat the Gaels (2-1) in the semifinals of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.

(10) Arizona 83, Wright St. 66: At Tucson, Ariz., Salim Stoudamire scored 24 points, including 6 of 9 3-pointers, and the Wildcats (2-0) beat the Raiders (1-1) in the second round of the Preseason NIT.

(19) N.C. State 71, Elon 45: At Raleigh, N.C., Julius Hodge scored 21 points, leading the Wolfpack (2-0) past the Phoenix (1-1) in the semifinals of the BCA Invitational.

East Carolina 64, Oregon St. 62: At Raleigh, N.C., Mike Cook scored 22 points, helping the Pirates (2-0) hold off the Beavers (1-1) in the semifinals of the BCA Invitational.