Deacs Look for Bounce Back Against Troy Saturday

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team continues its homestand against Sun Belt Champions Troy at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.

The Demon Deacons' (7-1), who started the season 7-0 for just the fifth time in program history, is looking to bounce back on Saturday and add to an impressive list of resume wins. The Demon Deacons have already defeated a pair of sitting conference champions in Mercer (SoCon) and High Point (Big South). The Trojans captured the Sun Belt Championship a season ago.

Troy (4-3) has played a pair of Power-5 teams already this season at Missouri and at Duke, falling in both contests. The Trojans third loss this season came against Mercer, who the Demon Deacons defeated by 13 points on the road to start the season. Troy comes into the game as the nation's leader in rebounds per game (51.26) and offensive rebounds per game (19.6).

Tipoff for Saturday afternoon's game against the Trojans is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum. The game can also be seen on ACC Network Extra 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 114 makes this season ranks 22nd 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 340 rebounds which ranks 28th while also having a Hoover era best 42.50 rebounds per game.

LAST TIME

Wake Forest vs. Nebraska (Dec. 1)

Result: L, 60-86

The Demon Deacons (7-1) were led by Jewel Spear with 17 points, marking the 13th consecutive game that the sophomore had double-digits points.
- Despite the loss, this was one of the best starts in school history as the Deacs became just the fifth team in school history to start 7-0 or better and this marked the best start in the Jen Hoover era.

SERIES HISTORY

Versus Troy

Series: First meeting

Last: N/A

Result: N/A

The Demon Deacons are set to face the Troy Trojans for the first time in program history. Additionally, the Deacs hold a 10-3 record against Sun Belt opponents.

STANDOUT STAT

Wake Forest is looking to add to its impressive list of resume wins against sitting conference champions on Saturday afternoon. The Deacs have already taken down a pair of 2020-21 conference champions in Mercer (SoCon) and High Point (Big South), both coming on the road. Last season, Troy captured the Sun Belt title:

Mercer (SoCon)
High Point (Big South)
Troy (Sun Belt)

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 is off for nine days before returning to LJVM Coliseum against ETSU on Monday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. as a part of the team's annual School Day game.

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.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Jewel Spear

Wake Forest Athletics