Wake Forest University
Syracuse
Deacs Prepared to Welcome Syracuse on Thursday Night
2/22/2022 3:42:00 PM | Women's Basketball
In the second to last game of the regular season, the Demon Deacons will look to climb the ACC standings against the Orange.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team is set for the penultimate game of the regular season Thursday night against Syracuse at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Deacs (13-14, 3-13 ACC) will look to claim a key win over a team that sits directly above them in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings as seeding for the conference tournament will be on the line. Junior guard Kaia Harrison will also look to continue her impressive run as she has set a new career high in points in three of the last five games. Additionally over that five game stretch, the Demon Deacons have had four or more double-digit scorers in each game.
The Orange (11-15, 4-12 ACC) come into Thursday's contest on a three-game skid including back-to-back loses by 40 points or more. Their four conference victories this season come to teams tied or below Wake Forest currently in the ACC standings (Clemson, Pitt - twice and Virginia). All five Syracuse starting five enter the game averaging double figure points. Additionally, the five players each average 30 or more minutes played per game.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum. For those not at the arena, fans can tune in on ACC Network Extra.
Fans can follow along via the Demon Deacons Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts (@WakeWBB).
LAST TIME
Wake Forest at Boston College (Feb. 20)
Result: L, 82-70
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Despite the loss, the Demon Deacons still own a winning record over the Eagles in Boston, holding a 6-4 advantage over the Eagles at Conte Forum.
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The Deacs showed an improved, all-around offensive game in the second half, shooting over 48 percent from the field. In the third quarter, Wake Forest trimmed 14 points off the deficit, making it an eight-point game heading into the fourth.
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During the comeback effort in the third, the Demon Deacons got 11 points from freshman guard Elise Williams, who was one of four Demon Deacons finishing in double figures.
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SERIES HISTORY
Versus Syracuse
Series: Syracuse leads, 7-2
Last: Feb. 4, 2021
Result: L, 85-78
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Senior guard Gina Conti led the Demon Deacons and all scorers with 25 points on the night, marking the fourth time that season the Grove City, Ohio native had gone for 20 or more points
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The Orange became just the second team that season to defeat Wake Forest when Ivana Raca recorded a double-double. Her 16-point, 12-rebound performance was the sixth double-double of the season for the Belgrade, Serbia native.
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SPREADING THE WEALTH
For the fifth consecutive game, Wake Forest had four or more players finish in double figures scoring. Additionally, the five-game stretch is the only time this conference season that Wake Forest has had four or more double-figure scorers in a single game.
Coming off a 14-point performance against nationally-ranked NC State on Thursday, Feb. 17, Elise Williams again demonstrated fearless offense versus Boston College on Sunday. The freshman is averaging 12.3 points per game over her last four outings, which is three points better than her season average.
STANDOUT STAT
After an All-ACC Freshman Team campaign put her on the map a season ago, sophomore guard Jewel Spear has taken her game to another level this year. Spear has seen significant increases in nearly every statistical category, making her a viable candidate for the most improved player in the ACC:
|
Stat |
Sophomore Year |
Freshman Year |
|
Scoring |
18.6 points per game |
10.9 points per game |
|
Rebounding |
98 rebounds |
55 rebounds |
|
Assists |
50 assists |
27 assists |
|
Three-pointers |
77 three-point makes |
58 three-point makes |
|
Free throws |
84 free throws made |
26 free throws made |
UP NEXT
Wake Forest closes out the regular season at home Sunday when the Deacs play host to Georgia Tech for a 1 p.m. tipoff at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
It will be Senior Day at the Joel as fans are encouraged to arrive early as Wake Forest is set to honor senior forward Christina Morra.
The game will also air on ACC Network Extra.
