COL BKB: Wake Forest 47, Richmond 40

RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Justin Gray scored a team-high 21 points Thursday night to help No. 24 Wake Forest turn back stubborn Richmond, 47-40.

Gray sank a huge three-pointer to give Wake Forest a 43-40 lead with 2:08 left to play.

Eric Williams added 13 points and nine rebounds for the Demon Deacons (9-2), who shot just 30 percent from the floor for the game but extended their winning streak over the Spiders to 14 straight. Wake's top scorer, Trent Strickland, was limited to just two points -- 13 below his season average.

The Deacons, who out-rebounded Richmond by 34-32, have won seven of their last eight games.

Oumar Sylla was the top scorer for Richmond (6-4) with nine points as the Spiders lost for the third time in four games.