WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Wake Forest men's basketball team didn't get a bid to the NCAA Tournament but will enter the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) as a No. 2 seed.
Wake Forest's chances of making the NCAA Tournament diminished quickly after they lost in the first round of the ACC Tournament to 13-seeded Boston College. Then, with other teams like Indiana and Wyoming advancing far in their tournaments, and others like Richmond being a surprise for theirs, Wake kept getting pushed further and further down.
"It was a long four days heading up to Selection Sunday. It was tough on everyone in our program to watch our NCAA Tournament hopes and dreams kinda slip away," Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes said.
Wake Forest ranked in the 10th spot for field goal percentage this season - right behind Duke. The Deacs ranked 15th in average points per game with 79.5. It left many wondering if they'd get a shot at the NCAA Tournament, but nevertheless, they'll get the chance to win it all in this year's NIT.
The Demon Deacons (23-9) will face the Towson Tigers (25-8) on Wednesday, March 16 at the Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will air on ESPN+.
The NIT bid marks the first time the Deacs will make a postseason appearance since 2017. It is also the first postseason appearance in the Steve Forbes era, with Forbes in his second season at the helm of the Deacs.
“Our players have given our staff and our fans everything we have asked of them and more this year,” Forbes said. “They are a wonderful group of young men who have reinvigorated our fanbase by representing Wake Forest in an explementary manner, on and off the court. Our team is excited to have the opportunity to play in the NIT and we look forward to representing Wake Forest and the ACC in postseason play.”
Fan Information
All patrons ages 12 and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test taken within 48 hours of the event in order to enter Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Prior to entry, fans must either:
• Show their vaccination card or photo or digital image with name and dosage history.
• Digital or photos of vaccination cards are acceptable OR Show their printed or digital negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test.
Individuals who cannot provide proof of vaccination or a valid negative COVID-19 test according to the conditions outlined above will not be allowed to enter Wake Forest Athletics indoor events.
Wake Forest understands fans may have questions and they are encouraged to email wfsports@wfu.edu, call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 during normal business hours, contact a Deacon Club staff member or their account executive.
Ticketing Information
Secure your spot for Wednesday’s NIT game in Winston-Salem for only $15 for a lower-level reserved seat. Tickets can be ordered online or by calling the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext 1 during normal business hours. The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
While tournament rules require admission to be charged for all attendees, including students, the first 1,000 students will receive free tickets courtesy of a donation from Head Coach Steve Forbes and wife Johnetta and director of athletics John Currie and his wife, Mary Lawrence. The student ticket claim period will open on Monday at 9 a.m within the Screamin’ Demon Rewards app. Others in the Wake Forest community who are interested in providing complimentary student tickets may donate here.