New Mexico Falls To No. 5 Wake Forest, 81-64
Dec. 22, 2004
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By PETE HERRERA
AP Sports Writer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Chris Paul scored 15 of his 23 points in the second
half and No.5 Wake Forest’s backcourt proved too tough for New Mexico in an
81-64 victory on Wednesday night.
The Demon Deacons (10-1) used their depth, rebounding prowess and backcourt
trio of Paul, Justin Gray and Taron Downey to break the game open in the second
half.
Danny Granger had 24 points and nine rebounds for the Lobos (10-2), who were
no match for Wake Forest’s three guards and ball-hawking defense. New Mexico
shot a season-low 32.8 percent.
Gray scored 17 points, 11 over a 4-minute stretch in the second half when
New Mexico still had a shot at pulling off an upset. Downey finished with 16
points, 12 in the first half.
So efficient were the Demon Deacon guards that they didn’t need much help
inside. Center Eric Williams scored just six points – the first time this
season he has failed to reach double figures – and didn’t return after going to
the bench with his fourth foul with 17:11 left in the second half.
While he was in there, Williams and Jamaal Levy dominated inside as Wake
Forest outrebounded the Lobos by a 47-34 margin. Levy had 10 rebounds and
Williams eight.
New Mexico stayed close in the first half on Granger’s 12 points and nine
from reserve Alfred Neale.
Neale’s 3-pointer with 13:47 left ended a 4-minute scoring drought for New
Mexico and started an 11-4 run by the Lobos. New Mexico took its last lead at
22-21 with 6:51 left in the first half on a layup by Neale.
Wake Forest then went ahead to stay on a 3-pointer by Paul and a jumper by
Downey.
The game at times was very physical. There was several scuffles, but the
Demon Deacons repeatedly fought off New Mexico rallies before the sellout crowd
of 18,011.
A three-point play by Granger got New Mexico within 48-45 with 13:12 left.
It was at that point that Gray took over. After teammate Chris Ellis dunked,
Gray hit a 3-pointer.
Baskets by Neale and Kris Collins cut Wake Forest’s lead to 53-49, but Gray
again answered with a 3-pointer and short jumper. Moments later, his fourth and
last 3-pointer of the game put Wake Forest up 61-51.
Paul and Gray combined for nine of Wake Forest’s 10 3-pointers.