Gavin Placide, Kevair Kennedy propel Wake Forest to 83-62 win over Maryland Eastern Shore in opener

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- — Freshman Gavin Placide scored 20 points, Kevair Kennedy just missed a triple-double and Wake Forest never trailed in an 83-62 victory over Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday night in a season opener.

Placide sank 8 of 11 shots and grabbed seven rebounds for the Demon Deacons. Kennedy finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals.

Justin Ray scored 15 points for Wake Forest, while reserve Gallagher Placide — Gavin's twin brother — scored 13. Reserve Jamari McDowell scored 11.

Bobby Gardner scored 30 points to lead the Hawks. He made 11 of 19 shots with four 3-pointers. Reserve Isaiah Griffin scored 10.

Wake Forest built a 9-2 lead. McDowell made a 3 to give the Deacons their largest lead at 40-22 with 3:46 before halftime. A 3 by Victor Ezeh capped an 11-0 run and the Hawks closed to 40-33 at the break.

Gardner hit a 3 to start the second half for Maryland Eastern Shore, but McDowell made a layup and Gavin Placide added two baskets for a 46-36 advantage less than three minutes later.

Up next

Maryland Eastern Shore: At High Point on Wednesday.

Wake Forest: At No. 24 Vanderbilt on Thursday.

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