
Deacs Set to Host Nebraska for ACC/Big Ten Challenge
11/30/2021 7:37:00 PM | Women's Basketball
This marks the first time in program history that Wake Forest will face the Cornhuskers.
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' (7-0) enter Wednesday as one of just 23 remaining unbeatens in the country and one of just three in the ACC. The Deacs have lived off their defense and rebounding this season. Wake Forest ranks 11th, giving up just 48.7 points per game and sixth nationally as opponents shoot just 18.1 percent from behind the arc. The Demon Deacons rebounding margin of +13.7 ranks 11th in the country and also ranks 24th in total rebounds with 304 through seven games.
Nebraska (7-0) is led by sophomore guard Jaz Shelley, who transferred from Oregon ahead of the season\. The guard leads the team in scoring with 14.6 points per game while also pulling down 7.4 rebounds and having 4.6 assists per game. Against Drexel over the weekend, Shelley netted 30 points on 8-of-9 shooting. She is one of three starters in double figures while the Cornhuskers currently rank fifth in the nation in scoring at 86.7 points per game and fourth nationally in scoring margin at +35.4 points per game.
Tipoff for Wednesday night's game against the Cornhuskers is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum. The game can also be seen on Regional Sports Networks as well as Watch ESPN/ESPN App.
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 six 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 30th in the country and their 99 makes this season ranks 25th 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 304 rebounds which ranks 20th while also having a Hoover era best 43.43 rebounds per game.
LAST TIME
Wake Forest vs. UMBC (Nov. 27)
Result: W, 94-48
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Wake Forest shared the scoring load with five Demon Deacons finishing the night in double figures behind a game-high 18 points from sophomore guard Jewel Spear.
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The Deacs continued to dominate the glass again on Saturday, winning the boards battle by 24 rebounds. This included a career-best performance from Demeara Hinds, grabbing 10 rebounds to lead the way while Malaya Cowles and Olivia Summiel each pulled down seven rebounds.
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SERIES HISTORY
Versus Nebraska
Series: First meeting
Last: N/A
Result: N/A
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This marks the first time since the 2018-19 season Wake Forest will play a Big Ten opponent. Alltime, the Deacs have won seven matchups against Big Ten opponents in program history.
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 8-0 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 79 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.) 133
2. Mike Petersen (2005-12) 125
3. Joe Sanchez (1986-92) 109
NEXT UP
Wake Forest continues its five-game homestand against Troy on Saturday night at 3 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 ACC Network Extra and WatchESPN/ESPN App.