This week's edition of quick shots looks at Travis Mckie's recent play on both ends of the court
Jan. 21, 2013
By Alex Botoman, Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@TieDyeNation)
McKie Coming Up Big on Both Ends of the Court Travis McKie put up double-doubles last week against Clemson and Virginia Tech, including a 20-point and 15-rebound performance against the Hokies. The junior from Richmond, Va. has now scored in double figures in nine straight games and ranks sixth in the ACC in both scoring (15.3 ppg) and rebounding (8.2 rpg).
McKie carried Wake Forest at times against Virginia Tech, making eight of his 12 field goal attempts and drilling a season-high four 3-pointers, including two in the final two minutes, one that tied the score and one that gave the Demon Deacons the lead.
But perhaps his most impressive play came in the opening minutes of the game when he came out of nowhere to block what looked to be an easy dunk by Robert Brown and then sprinted the length of the floor to slam home an alley-oop from Codi Miller-McIntyre. You can watch the video of McKie's four-point swing below, courtesy of the ACC Digital Network.
Earning Second Chances
Wake Forest has come alive on the offensive glass in conference season and is currently tied for third in ACC games with 12.4 offensive rebounds per game after averaging only nine offensive boards per game in the non-conference slate.
The Demon Deacons pulled down 18 and 17 offensive rebounds against Clemson and Virginia Tech, respectively, with Travis McKie leading the way with 11 offensive boards across the two contests. The offensive rebounding was especially important against the Tigers due to the Deacons' poor shooting night, and 17 of Wake Forest's 44 points in the game came off of second chances.
Taking Care of the Ball
The Demon Deacons have improved significantly at keeping control of the ball, giving up 12 or fewer turnovers in each of their past four games. The recent lack of turnovers is the extension of a larger trend that has seen Wake Forest lose the turnover battle only twice in its last 11 games.
Over the Deacons past four contests against Virginia, Boston College, Clemson and Virginia Tech, starting point guard Codi Miller-McIntyre has dished out 11 assists while turning the ball over only five times, and versatile forward Travis McKie has nine dimes to go with only five turnovers.
GOLD RUSH at the Joel
Tuesday night's game against a ranked NC State team is a GOLD RUSH game, and fans are encouraged to wear gold as they come cheer on the Demon Deacons to victory.
Wake Forest is 7-2 at Joel Coliseum this season, including a perfect 2-0 in ACC games. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
Tweets of the Week
Katharine Williams (@KatharineTweets)
@espn The Demon Deacon driving his motorcycle out on the court! #MyHomeCourt #GoDeacs @TieDyeNation pic.twitter.com/ZAW9N49C
Wake Basketball (@TieDyeNation)
It's going to be a "Gold Rush" at the Joel for Tuesday's game vs. NC State. Wear your gold and cheer us on! go.wfu.edu/sj3
Aaron Rountree III (@DeaconTREE33)
It's snowing. Spring can't get here fast enough.
"Devin Thomas is really the heart and soul of this basketball team. I always tell him that (his sister) Alyssa (who plays) at Maryland reminds me to tell him that he's only the second best player in the family and that really gets into him. Sometimes I tell him during a timeout, `Alyssa's watching right now.'" - Head coach Jeff Bzdelik (watch the Coaches Luncheon)
