Wake Forest adds basketball game against Catawba

The Deacons haven't played a game since November 27 because of COVID-19 related issues

Wake Forest is off to a 2-0 start under new coach Steve Forbes (John Minchillo / AP Photo)

Barring another COVID-19 related setback, the Wake Forest basketball team will ring out 2020 by returning to the court for the first time in more than a month.

Coach Steve Forbes announced Thursday that it has added a game against Division II opponent Catawba, to be played at Joel Coliseum on Friday, December 31. Tipoff for the New Year’s Eve game is 3 p.m. with broadcast coverage on ACC Network.

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The Deacons are 2-0 this season, but have been sidelined since November 27 because of a COVID-19 outbreak within their program. Their scheduled ACC opener, against Syracuse on December 30, was recently postponed because of the Orange’s coronavirus issues.

The game against Catawba will give Wake an opportunity to back into game condition before playing ACC opponent Georgia Tech on Jan. 2.

“Our student-athletes and staff are excited to get back on the court and compete next week,” Forbes said in a statement. “We are glad that our student-athletes will get some time with their families over the next two days and we’re fired up to get back on the court this weekend to prepare for the Indians and the start of ACC play next week!”

 Catawba is led by coach Rob Perron, who is in his seventh season. The Indians finished the 2019-20 season with a 20-10 (14-8) record and finished third in the South Atlantic conference. They are currently 2-3 for the 2020-21 season and coming off a 83-81 overtime win against Mars Hill on Dec. 19.