Wake Forest Earns NIT Top Seed, Hosts App State Wednesday

Winston-Salem, NC - The Wake Forest men’s basketball team secured a No. 1 seed in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and will host App State in the first round on Wednesday, March 20, at 8 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN+, marking the Demon Deacons’ second postseason appearance under head coach Steve Forbes.

Despite a 20-13 record and an 11-9 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Wake Forest narrowly missed out on an NCAA Tournament bid. However, the NIT presents an opportunity for the team to build momentum and showcase its talent on a national stage.

“I am proud of our players and staff as they have battled every day all season long,” Forbes said. “Our fans and students’ support throughout the 2023-24 season has been incredible, and our entire program is appreciative of their ongoing support.”

The Demon Deacons boast an impressive 47-6 record at home since the start of the 2021-22 season, including a 16-1 mark this year, tying for the second-most home wins in program history. Their recent success at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum has created a formidable home-court advantage, which could prove crucial in their NIT run.

Wake Forest’s journey to the NIT has been marked by several notable wins, including victories over SEC runner-up Florida, ACC Champion NC State, and fellow NCAA Tournament teams like Duke and the Wolfpack. The team’s resilience and ability to compete against top-tier opponents have been hallmarks of the Forbes era.

“It is disappointing to not be selected into the NCAA Tournament, but we are grateful for the bid to the NIT and looking forward to playing in front of Deacon Nation inside Joel Coliseum this week,” Forbes added.

The winner of the Wake Forest-App State matchup will face the victor of the Georgia-Xavier contest in the next round. As the No. 1 seed, the Demon Deacons have a favorable path to advance deep into the tournament and potentially capture the NIT title.

Ticket information for the first-round game has been released, with reserved seats available for season ticket holders and Deacon Club members through an exclusive pre-sale. General admission tickets will go on sale starting Monday, March 18, at 9 a.m. ET, with discounted prices for youth and students.

Wake Forest’s athletics director, John Currie, expressed gratitude for the team’s efforts and the unwavering support of the Demon Deacon faithful. “Certainly, we would prefer to have our progress recognized with an NCAA bid, but the NIT does represent an important opportunity to build momentum for Wake Forest basketball,” Currie said.

As the NIT journey begins, the Demon Deacons will look to rally their fans and continue their impressive run at home, aiming to make a statement and lay the groundwork for future success in the highly competitive ACC.