Wake Forest University
Notre Dame
Deacs Set for Nationally-Ranked Irish at LJVM Coliseum
1/11/2022 9:44:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Wake Forest is scheduled to host their first top-25 opponent this season as it welcomes No. 20 Notre Dame to Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team returns home to Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Thursday night against No. 20 Notre Dame.
The Demon Deacons (12-4, 2-3 ACC) will be in search of their second consecutive season with a top-25 victory after beating No. 24 Missouri State a season ago. Additionally, the Deacs are in search of their first top-20 victory since Feb. 17, 2017 and first victory over the Fighting Irish in program history.
The Fighting Irish (11-3, 2-1 ACC) are coming off an 11-day hiatus after they postponed their game against No. 5 NC State adhering to the outlined COVID protocols within the ACC Medical Advisory Group. Notre Dame is led by Wooden Award Midseason Top-25 Watch List member Maddy Westbeld. The sophomore has averaged a team-best 13.8 points per game on 53.7 percent shooting while also shooting 45.5 percent from behind the arc. She is one of four double-digit scorers for the Fighting Irish.
Tipoff for Thursday night's game against the Fighting Irish is scheduled for 7 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum. The game can also be seen on ACC Network.
Fans can follow along via the Demon Deacons Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts (@WakeWBB).
FAN INFORMATION
Beginning with Wake Forest's men's basketball game against Duke on Wednesday, Jan. 12, all patrons ages 12 and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test taken within 48 hours of the event in order to enter Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Fans attending games at LJVM Coliseum are encouraged to arrive early with the addition of the following health and safety measures.
Prior to entry, fans must either:
● Show their vaccination card or photo or digital image with name and dosage history.
○ Digital or photos of vaccination cards are acceptable.
OR
● Show their printed or digital negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test.
○ For more information on testing sites, please visit: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/find-my-testing-place.
Individuals who cannot provide proof of vaccination or a valid negative COVID-19 test according to the conditions outlined above will not be allowed to enter Wake Forest Athletics indoor events.
Fans are encouraged to read the press release with this announcement and this FAQ.
"We are all working together to persevere through this recent surge in COVID cases, especially in consideration of the pressure faced by our healthcare system and workers," said director of athletics John Currie. "This additional step for Wake Forest indoor athletic events is consistent with the updated protocols for the spring semester outlined by Provost Rogan Kersh and Executive Vice President Hof Milam's recent message to the University community on Dec. 29."
Wake Forest understands fans may have questions and they are encouraged to email wfsports@wfu.edu, call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 during normal business hours, contact a Deacon Club staff member, or their account executive, for assistance.
HOLDING DOWN OPPONENTS
The Demon Deacons have held all but five opponents to under 40 percent shooting from the field and all but three under 35 percent shooting from behind the arc.
The Deacs rank nationally in multiple defensive categories including No. 16 in three-point field goal defense, allowing opponents to shoot just 23.9 percent from range. This also ranks first among all ACC schools through this point in the season.
Additionally, the Deacs scoring defense is currently 60th in the country, allowing just 57.2 points per game as just nine of the 17 Demon Deacon opponents have scored more than 50 points this season.
LAST TIME
Wake Forest at Florida State (Jan 9)
Result: L, 87-46
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The Demon Deacons and the Seminoles split the season series after Wake Forest claimed a come-from-behind home victory in late December. Additionally, this marks the second consecutive season the Deacs and Noles have split the regular season series.
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Wake Forest was led by double-figure points from sophomore guard Jewel Spear and senior forward Christina Morra on Sunday.
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SERIES HISTORY
Versus Notre Dame
Series: Notre Dame leads 9-0
Last: Jan. 14, 2021
Result: L, 79-72
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Despite a career day from guard Gina Conti, the Wake Forest women's basketball team dropped a tight 79-72 game at Notre Dame.
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Conti finished the afternoon with a career-best 29 points to lead the Demon Deacons. The Grove City, Ohio native knocked down 8-of-12 threes in the game.
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STANDOUT STAT
Wake Forest goes into the contest on Thursday as one of just 14 teams in the nation with 650 or more rebounds this season. Overall, the Deacs rank 10th nationally in the category and third in the conference with 661 total this season.
Of the 14 teams to reach the 650 board milestone, 12 teams have grabbed 12 or more wins this season. These 12 squads account for nearly half of the 29 teams nationally that have reached the 12-win barrier.
NEXT UP
Wake Forest is back on the road for a Sunday afternoon battle at Pitt with tipoff scheduled for 2 p.m. ET from Petersen Events Center.
For those not in attendance on Sunday's game in Pittsburgh, the game will also air on ACC Network Extra.
