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McFarland, Teague lift Wake Forest over Richmond

Dec 20, 2008 - 6:01 AM RICHMOND, Virginia (Ticker) -- It took 30 minutes before Wake Forest was able to solve the web that Richmond hoped would weave an upset on Friday.

Chas McFarland and Jeff Teague combined for 41 points as Wake Forest remained undefeated, battling past the stubborn Spiders, 86-79.

Richmond, looking to make it a big night for the school as its football team won the FCS title, hung tough and trailed its Atlantic Coast Conference foe, 52-51, with 11:30 left in the game.

Teague then ignited an 13-2 run over three minutes to give the 10th-ranked Demon Deacons (10-0) breathing room. The 6-2 sophomore, who scored 14 points in the second half, hit two free throws, two layups and a jump shot during the spurt that gave Wake a 65-53 advantage.

The Spiders wouldn't quit, reeling off a 13-5 run to make it 78-74 with 1:34 left.

"It was a little more competitive than I thought it would be," Wake Forest coach Dino Gaudio said. "It was really hot in (the gym), and our guys felt it."

Teague then hit a layup and Al-Farouq Aminu slammed home a hoop to double the advantage and seal the victory with 40 seconds remaining.

McFarland, a 7-0 junior, had 14 of his 20 points in the first half as Wake Forest scrapped its way to a 37-35 advantage at the break over the pesky Spiders.

"When we took the lead, we couldn't hold it very long," Richmond coach Chris Mooney said. "Defensively, we couldn't sustain a more solid effort."

Wake dominated Richmond (5-5) on the backboards, enjoying a 36-21 advantage.

Kevin Anderson led Richmond with 21 points.