Time: 6PM Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Location: Tallahassee, FL | Tucker Center, 11,675 capacity
TV: ESPN 2
Streaming: ESPN App
Radio: Wake Forest Learfield Sports Network, Demon Deacons App (IOS | Android)
Live Stats: Stat Broadcast
Twitter: @WakeMBB | @BloggerSoDear | @EssexThayer7 | @Les_Johns | @ConorONeill_DI
Instagram: @WakeBasketball
Spread: Wake -1.5
Over/Under: 167.5
Wake’s Rating: KenPom: 60 | NET: 59
Opponent’s Rating: KenPom: 112 | NET: 134
Quad: 2
Kenpom Prediction: Wake wins 84-81
Opponent’s Best
Win: UT Martin (198)
Opponent’s Worst Loss: UMass (176)
Previous Matchup: Wake 70—FSU 72 (2025)
Head-to-Head All Time: 28-31
ESPN Matchup Predictor: 60% chance to win
The Deacs are back in action after having the week off, and they absolutely cannot afford a loss to the Noles today. While this is currently a Q2 game, FSU is right on the cusp of Q3 territory (136-240 away), and a loss could very well likely be the nail in the coffin for Wake’s NCAA Tournament hopes. FSU is currently in the midst of a 4 game losing streak, and all 7 of their wins this season have come against Q4 opponents—that is exactly the type of team Wake has slipped up and lost to in the past few seasons. Under first year head coach Luke Louks, the Noles are shooting a ton of 3-poionters—FSU is currently 3rd in the nation with 35 3-point attempts per game and they get over 40% of their points from beyond the arc. A lot of those 3-pointers are coming off assists from former Wake Forest guard Robert McCray, who is leading the Noles this season with 13.7 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. Running the shooters off the line and making FSU take 2 pointers could be the key to winning this one.
Go Deacs!
