Thursday, November 30
Winston-Salem, N.C.
9:00 p.m.
Wake Forest University
vs
Texas A&M
Deacs Set for Inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge Thursday
11/29/2023 5:40:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Wake Forest is looking to bounce back as they host Texas A&M in the first edition of the ACC/SEC Challenge Thursday night at 9:00 p.m. ET at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum while also airing on ACC Network.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The ACC/SEC Challenge is coming to Winston-Salem, Deacon Nation! The Wake Forest women's basketball team is set to take part in the inaugural event Thursday night at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, playing host to Texas A&M.
The Demon Deacons (2-4) will be looking to continue their strong scoring efforts in the post at home this season as redshirt sophomore forward Malaya Cowles has played some of her best basketball at home this season. At home this season, she is averaging 15.0 points per game including 19-point and 22-point efforts while shooting lights out from the field. In those three games, she has made 20-of-27 field goals (74.1 pct.) and has been 66.7 or better in all three outings. In the last outing, the Deacs took 2023 Sweet 16 participant Villanova to the brink as the game was tied at 65-65 with less than 1:30 left in the game. The Deacs will look to continue to create pressure as they have 17.3 turnovers forced per game this season which is an increase from last year's 14.4 turnovers forced per game.
The Aggies (5-1) are coming off a strong showing in California where they went 2-0 at the Raising the B.A.R. Invitational with wins over Winthrop and Cal. Texas A&M has had balanced scoring this season with four players averaging double-digit points. They come into the game ranked ninth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 49.2 points per game in the first six contests this season. Additionally, their 31.4 field goal percentage defense ranks seventh nationally and their 21.6 three-point percentage defense ranks 13th in the country. The Aggies have also done a great job on the glass this season, tallying 46.8 rebounds per game which is 11th in the country and have a +11.3 rebounding margin this season.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network for Thursday's game. A live stats feed can be found here for Thursday. You can also listen to the game on GoDeacs.com/Watch.
Fans can follow along via the Demon Deacons Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts (@WakeWBB).
FROM THE LINE
Through six games this season, the Demon Deacons have seen a massive uptick in shooting percentage, going from 66.0 percent (343-of-520) last season to 73.0 percent (73-of-100) this season.
Additionally, the Deacs are getting to the line more this season as they are attempting 16.7 free throws this season compared to 15.3 attempts a season ago.
Wake Forest is totaling 12.2 free throws made per game this year compared to last year's 10.1 free throws made per game.
MADI SHINES IN HAWAII
Madisyn Jordan tallied a career-high 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field to lead the Demon Deacons in scoring against Saint Louis. Jordan became the first freshman to have a 20-plus point performance since Malaya Cowles against ETSU on Dec. 12, 2021. This was the third consecutive game she has recorded a career-high in points.
Over the course of the North Shore Showcase, she averaged 16.0 points per game while shooting 12-of-18 FG (66.7 pct.) and 7-of-12 3FG (58.3 pct.).
NEARLY PERFECT AT THE STRIPE
Graduate guard Kaia Harrison goes into Thursday, shooting a stellar 22-of-24 from the free throw line. She ranks in the top 50 nationally in free throw percentage and fifth in the ACC.
FORCING TURNOVERS
Against Villanova, the Demon Deacons turned the Wildcats over a season-high 10 times in the game as Villanova came into the contest second in the country in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Prior to that, Wake Forest forced 19 Saint Louis turnovers, the second-most the Billikens had committed in a single game this season and it resulted in 20 points on the other end for the Demon Deacons.
In the Deacs' previous game against BYU, the Deacs forced 26 turnovers, marking the most since January 22, 2017 against Georgia Tech when the Demon Deacons also forced 26 turnovers in the game. Additionally, it was the first time since December 18 and 21, 2017 against Charlotte and College of Charleston that Wake Forest has produced 20 or more opponent turnovers in back-to-back games. It marked the first time since March 16, 2017 (Washington State) that a Power-5 team had forced BYU into 26 or more turnovers.
Owning the Arc
Wake Forest has tallied 40 threes (6.7 per game) through the first six games of the season including finishing the win over Saint Louis with 11 threes made. This was the third time this season Wake Forest has tallied eight or more threes in a single game.
Last season, the Deacs hit eight or more threes 13 different times. The Demon Deacons ended the season ranked third in the ACC with 6.7 threes made per game.
On the defensive side of the floor, Wake Forest limited opponents to just 28.5 percent shooting from behind the arc, ranking 56th in the country last season.
Overall as a team, this has been one of the best three-point shooting years in program history, knocking down a 223 threes which is second in program history
Rank Threes Made Season
1. 275 2004-05
2. 223 2022-23
3. 215 2005-06
4. 195 2021-22
5. 179 2008-09
The Demon Deacons have been one of the best teams in the ACC at shooting the three-point shot so far this season, knocking down 6.7 threes per game last season. This also ranks 106th nationally:
Rank Team Threes Made Per Game
1. Virginia Tech 7.8
2. Florida St. 7.0
3. Wake Forest 6.7
T4. Clemson 6.1
T4. North Carolina 6.1
T4. Pitt 6.1
In 2021-22, Megan Gebbia's American coached team was one of the best in the nation in three-point defense. The Eagles finished the season ranked third in the nation, allowing their opponents to shoot just 24.4 percent from behind the arc.
LAST TIME
Wake Forest vs. Villanova (Nov. 26)
Result: L, 74-65
Versus Texas A&M
Series: 1-0
Last Time: Nov. 23, 2007
Result: W, 53-46
Claim your spot in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum for what is shaping up to be another exciting season for Megan Gebbia's second season with the Demon Deacons! Season tickets for 2023-24 Wake Forest women's basketball season tickets are now open at GoDeacs.com/tickets with tickets starting at $60.
Along with your purchase of a women's basketball season ticket package this season there are many added benefits exclusive only to those who buy season tickets. Admission to all home games for this price Additional perks include:
Sunday Four-Packs Available Now
Sunday four-packs are available for six games for the upcoming 2023-24 season including four ACC home matchups at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. A four-pack includes four tickets and four popcorn vouchers for just $28. The games with four-packs available:
Non-Conference Single-Game Tickets On-Sale Now
Your first opportunity to see this season's Demon Deacons are right around the corner single-game tickets for all seven of the non-conference home games are set to be on sale now!
Go to GoDeacs.com/Tickets or call the ticket office at 336-758-3322
UP NEXT
After two games at home, Wake Forest is back on the road Sunday afternoon when the Deacs travel north to Harrisonburg, Va. to take on James Madison.
The 4:00 p.m. ET tipoff can also be seen on ESPN+.
The Demon Deacons (2-4) will be looking to continue their strong scoring efforts in the post at home this season as redshirt sophomore forward Malaya Cowles has played some of her best basketball at home this season. At home this season, she is averaging 15.0 points per game including 19-point and 22-point efforts while shooting lights out from the field. In those three games, she has made 20-of-27 field goals (74.1 pct.) and has been 66.7 or better in all three outings. In the last outing, the Deacs took 2023 Sweet 16 participant Villanova to the brink as the game was tied at 65-65 with less than 1:30 left in the game. The Deacs will look to continue to create pressure as they have 17.3 turnovers forced per game this season which is an increase from last year's 14.4 turnovers forced per game.
The Aggies (5-1) are coming off a strong showing in California where they went 2-0 at the Raising the B.A.R. Invitational with wins over Winthrop and Cal. Texas A&M has had balanced scoring this season with four players averaging double-digit points. They come into the game ranked ninth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 49.2 points per game in the first six contests this season. Additionally, their 31.4 field goal percentage defense ranks seventh nationally and their 21.6 three-point percentage defense ranks 13th in the country. The Aggies have also done a great job on the glass this season, tallying 46.8 rebounds per game which is 11th in the country and have a +11.3 rebounding margin this season.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network for Thursday's game. A live stats feed can be found here for Thursday. You can also listen to the game on GoDeacs.com/Watch.
Fans can follow along via the Demon Deacons Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts (@WakeWBB).
FROM THE LINE
Through six games this season, the Demon Deacons have seen a massive uptick in shooting percentage, going from 66.0 percent (343-of-520) last season to 73.0 percent (73-of-100) this season.
Additionally, the Deacs are getting to the line more this season as they are attempting 16.7 free throws this season compared to 15.3 attempts a season ago.
Wake Forest is totaling 12.2 free throws made per game this year compared to last year's 10.1 free throws made per game.
MADI SHINES IN HAWAII
Madisyn Jordan tallied a career-high 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field to lead the Demon Deacons in scoring against Saint Louis. Jordan became the first freshman to have a 20-plus point performance since Malaya Cowles against ETSU on Dec. 12, 2021. This was the third consecutive game she has recorded a career-high in points.
Over the course of the North Shore Showcase, she averaged 16.0 points per game while shooting 12-of-18 FG (66.7 pct.) and 7-of-12 3FG (58.3 pct.).
NEARLY PERFECT AT THE STRIPE
Graduate guard Kaia Harrison goes into Thursday, shooting a stellar 22-of-24 from the free throw line. She ranks in the top 50 nationally in free throw percentage and fifth in the ACC.
FORCING TURNOVERS
Against Villanova, the Demon Deacons turned the Wildcats over a season-high 10 times in the game as Villanova came into the contest second in the country in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Prior to that, Wake Forest forced 19 Saint Louis turnovers, the second-most the Billikens had committed in a single game this season and it resulted in 20 points on the other end for the Demon Deacons.
In the Deacs' previous game against BYU, the Deacs forced 26 turnovers, marking the most since January 22, 2017 against Georgia Tech when the Demon Deacons also forced 26 turnovers in the game. Additionally, it was the first time since December 18 and 21, 2017 against Charlotte and College of Charleston that Wake Forest has produced 20 or more opponent turnovers in back-to-back games. It marked the first time since March 16, 2017 (Washington State) that a Power-5 team had forced BYU into 26 or more turnovers.
Owning the Arc
Wake Forest has tallied 40 threes (6.7 per game) through the first six games of the season including finishing the win over Saint Louis with 11 threes made. This was the third time this season Wake Forest has tallied eight or more threes in a single game.
Last season, the Deacs hit eight or more threes 13 different times. The Demon Deacons ended the season ranked third in the ACC with 6.7 threes made per game.
On the defensive side of the floor, Wake Forest limited opponents to just 28.5 percent shooting from behind the arc, ranking 56th in the country last season.
Overall as a team, this has been one of the best three-point shooting years in program history, knocking down a 223 threes which is second in program history
Rank Threes Made Season
1. 275 2004-05
2. 223 2022-23
3. 215 2005-06
4. 195 2021-22
5. 179 2008-09
The Demon Deacons have been one of the best teams in the ACC at shooting the three-point shot so far this season, knocking down 6.7 threes per game last season. This also ranks 106th nationally:
Rank Team Threes Made Per Game
1. Virginia Tech 7.8
2. Florida St. 7.0
3. Wake Forest 6.7
T4. Clemson 6.1
T4. North Carolina 6.1
T4. Pitt 6.1
In 2021-22, Megan Gebbia's American coached team was one of the best in the nation in three-point defense. The Eagles finished the season ranked third in the nation, allowing their opponents to shoot just 24.4 percent from behind the arc.
LAST TIME
Wake Forest vs. Villanova (Nov. 26)
Result: L, 74-65
- The Demon Deacons were led individually by redshirt sophomore forward Malaya Cowles, who scored a career-high 22 points, while shooting an efficient 10-for-13 from the field.
- Off the bench, junior forward Raegyn Conley joined Cowles as the lone Deacs to score in double figures, tying her career-high with 14 points. Conley had one of her best nights from the free throw line, finishing 6-of-7
- Wake Forest turned the Wildcats over a season-high 10 times in the game as Villanova came into the game second in the country in assist-to-turnover ratio.
- The Demon Deacons shot a season-best 17-of-19 (89.5 pct.) from the free throw line. Individually, four Deacs went perfect from the charity stripe, including graduate guard Kaia Harrison. Harrison is shooting an impressive 22-of-24 percent from the line this season.
Versus Texas A&M
Series: 1-0
Last Time: Nov. 23, 2007
Result: W, 53-46
- The Wake Forest women's basketball team posted a 53-46 upset over No. 10/11 Texas A&M on Nov. 23, 2007.
- The win was Wake Forest's highest ranked victory outside of the Demon Deacon home court at the time.
- The Demon Deacon defense stifled the Texas A&M shooting game, holding the Aggies to 31 percent from the floor for the A&M's lowest mark to that point that season.
- The teams tied seven times in the second half but four three throws by Alex Tchangoue in the final nine seconds gave the Demon Deacons the last edge of the game.
Claim your spot in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum for what is shaping up to be another exciting season for Megan Gebbia's second season with the Demon Deacons! Season tickets for 2023-24 Wake Forest women's basketball season tickets are now open at GoDeacs.com/tickets with tickets starting at $60.
Along with your purchase of a women's basketball season ticket package this season there are many added benefits exclusive only to those who buy season tickets. Admission to all home games for this price Additional perks include:
- A lunch opportunity with the Wake Forest women's basketball team
- Only season ticket holders can sit in floor level seats
- Access to The Blue Ridge Room for free light refreshments and snacks before and during each home game
- "Season Ticket Holder of the Game"
- A season ticket holder will be recognized at each game
- They will be brought onto the floor during a quarter break or timeout to be recognized
- They will be presented with a signed picture of the team
- They will also have video board graphics made for them as well
Sunday Four-Packs Available Now
Sunday four-packs are available for six games for the upcoming 2023-24 season including four ACC home matchups at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. A four-pack includes four tickets and four popcorn vouchers for just $28. The games with four-packs available:
- Sunday, Nov. 26 vs. Villanova
- Sunday, Dec. 10 vs. Norfolk State
- Sunday, Jan. 21 vs. Notre Dame
- Sunday, Feb. 4 vs. Georgia Tech
- Sunday, Feb. 11 vs. Virginia
- Sunday, Feb. 18 vs. North Carolina
Non-Conference Single-Game Tickets On-Sale Now
Your first opportunity to see this season's Demon Deacons are right around the corner single-game tickets for all seven of the non-conference home games are set to be on sale now!
Go to GoDeacs.com/Tickets or call the ticket office at 336-758-3322
UP NEXT
After two games at home, Wake Forest is back on the road Sunday afternoon when the Deacs travel north to Harrisonburg, Va. to take on James Madison.
The 4:00 p.m. ET tipoff can also be seen on ESPN+.
Players Mentioned
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
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