Placide and Kennedy Lead Wake Forest Past Maryland Eastern Shore

Wake Forest never trailed in its 83-62 season-opening victory over Maryland Eastern Shore in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on November 2. Freshman Gavin Placide led the Demon Deacons with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting and seven rebounds. Kevair Kennedy added 14 points, along with nine boards, eight assists and four steals, coming close to a triple-double.

Justin Ray scored 15 points, and freshman Gallagher Placide, Gavin’s twin brother, had 13. Jamari McDowell contributed 11 points in 19 minutes. Wake Forest built an 18-point lead in the first half, but Maryland Eastern Shore closed the gap to 40-33 at halftime with an 11-0 run. The Hawks opened the second half with a three-pointer, before Wake Forest answered with baskets from McDowell and Gavin Placide to move ahead 46-36.

Bobby Gardner scored 30 points for Maryland Eastern Shore, making 11 of 19 shots and four three-pointers. Isaiah Griffin added 10 points. Wake Forest’s next game is at No. 24 Vanderbilt on November 5. Maryland Eastern Shore is scheduled to play at High Point on November 4.