Wake Forest University
UMBC
Demon Deacons Look to Continue Winning Ways Saturday
11/26/2021 7:14:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Wake Forest is set to host UMBC for a 4 p.m. tipoff at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team returns home for the start of a five-game homestand Saturday, hosting UMBC at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Demon Deacons' (6-0) defense and rebounding has led them to their best start in over a decade and the best start in the Jen Hoover era. The Demon Deacons currently rank in the top-20 nationally in free throws made, free throws attempted, rebounds, scoring defense and three-point field goal defense. On the offensive end, sophomore guard Jewel Spear is currently seventh nationally with 118 total points through the first six games of the season.
UMBC (1-3) is led by the forward duo of graduate student Janee'a Summers, who leads the Retrievers with 14.5 points per game, and graduate student Onome-Juliet Esadah, who has a near double-double through four games with 9.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. The Retrievers lone win of the season came against Division III Gettysburg in the season opener.
Tipoff for Saturday afternoon's game against the Retrievers is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum. The game can also be seen on ACC Network Extra.
Fans can follow along via the Demon Deacons Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts (@WakeWBB).
RECEIVING VOTES
In the latest USA TODAY Sports Top 25 women's basketball coaches poll, the Demon Deacons are receiving votes. Wake Forest received five votes this week, making the Deacs one of just eight ACC schools to receive votes or be ranked in the poll on Tuesday.
CHARITY STRIPE
The Demon Deacons have gotten to the free throw line more than any other team in the ACC this season, averaging over 20 attempts. Their attempts rank ninth in the country and their 88 makes this season ranks 10th in the nation.
CRASHING THE GLASS
Getting on the glass has been a point of emphasis for head coach Jen Hoover since she arrived on campus. In the last seven seasons, Wake Forest has averaged better than 38 rebounds per game including averaging 40 or more during the 2013-14 season (40.5 rebounds per game) and the 2016-17 season (41.1 rebounds per game).
This season the Demon Deacons are off to another impressive start on the glass, totaling 260 rebounds which ranks 45th while also having a Hoover era best 43.33 rebounds per game.
LAST TIME
Wake Forest at High Point (Nov. 24)
Result: W, 79-50
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The Demon Deacons pulled down a season-high 56 rebounds and had a +26 advantage at the end of the contest. The Deacs were led on the glass by the starting duo of senior forward Christina Morra (11 rebounds) and junior forward Olivia Summiel (10 rebounds).
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Junior guard Alexandria Scruggs and sophomore guard Jewel Spear finished the night with a team-best 17 points. For Scruggs, it was a career-best as she had previously scored 16 twice in her career.
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SERIES HISTORY
Versus UMBC
Series: Wake Forest leads 3-0
Last: Dec. 29, 1998
Result: W, 71-41
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This marks the third time Wake Forest will host UMBC in the series with the Deacs winning by an average of 31.5 points in the previous two meetings in Winston-Salem.
STANDOUT STAT
Wake Forest is looking to become just the third Demon Deacon team since the start of the 1989-90 season to start the season 7-0 or better and the fifth time ever. Additionally, this would be the first time in the Jen Hoover era:
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2008-09 (12-0)
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2004-05 (8-0)
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1987-88 (10-0)
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1982-83 (8-0)
PROGRAM'S ALL-TIME WINS LEADER
Wake Forest head coach Jen Hoover is looking to remain dominant in non-conference play as she has racked up 78 non-conference wins in her 10 seasons at the helm of the Demon Deacons. She also continues to distance herself as the program's all-time wins leader:
Wake Forest Wins Leaders
1. Jen Hoover (2013-pres.) 132
2. Mike Petersen (2005-12) 125
3. Joe Sanchez (1986-92) 109
NEXT UP
Wake Forest continues its five-game homestand against Nebraska as a part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
Grab your spot at LJVM Coliseum at GoDeacs.com/Tickets.
If you are not in attendance on Saturday, you can see the game on Regional Sports Networks and WatchESPN/ESPN App.
