Wake Forest Athletics
Deacs Return Home to Face Charlotte
12/6/2023 12:03:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Wake Forest will host the in-state 49ers Thursday night at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team is back home Thursday night at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, playing host to in-state Charlotte.
The Demon Deacons (2-6) have won 11 of the last 12 games in the series including the last three. Junior guard Elise Williams and graduate guard Kaia Harrison will look to repeat their career performances from a season ago against the 49ers. In the win at Charlotte, Williams posted a career-high 18 points while Harrison dished out a career-high nine assists. Williams is coming off one of her best games of the season, tallying a team-high 13 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the floor. Additionally, Williams led the team with eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a 60.0 shooting percentage. She is the first Wake Forest player since Ivana Raca on Feb. 7, 2019 against Clemson to have 13 or more points, eight or more rebounds, four or more assists and three or more steals in a single game.
The 49ers (5-4) are 1-2 on the road this season including a loss in their most recent outing at VCU, 57-49. The other four wins this season for Charlotte have come at home. Through nine games this season, the 49ers have been one of the better teams in the country on the defensive end of the floor, ranking 23rd nationally in Field Goal Percentage Defense (33.9 pct.) while also ranking 35th nationally in Three-Point Percentage Defense (24.0 pct.). Offensively, they have gotten to the free throw line over 21 times per game, making 15.56 free throws per game which is 39th in the country. Charlotte is led by guard Dazia Lawrence who is 13th nationally with 46 free throw makes while getting to the line 53 total times which is 19th nationally.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network Extra 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).
DEARICA WINS GOLD FOR TEAM USA
Representing Team USA in the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Demon Deacon alum Dearica Hamby helped the United States take home gold, knocking down the game winning shot in the gold medal game to cap off an impressive comeback victory over Brazil.
Hamby earned MVP honors, leading Team USA in scoring with 33 points while having a prominent impact on defense.
In the Gold Medal game, Hamby finished with six points and five rebounds while shooting 6-of-8 from the floor.
She ended the tournament with 6.6 points per game and 7.0 rebounds per game. Her 35 total rebounds over the five games were the most in the tournament. Team USA finished a perfect 5-0 in the tournament and outside of the Gold Medal game won the other four games by at least five points.
ELISE'S LINE
Against James Madison, Elise Williams tallied a team-high 13 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the floor. Additionally, Williams led the team with eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a 60.0 shooting percentage.
She became the first Wake Forest player since Ivana Raca on Feb. 7, 2019 against Clemson to have 13 or more points, eight or more rebounds, four or more assists and three or more steals in a single game. Williams is the only Wake Forest player in the HerHoopsStats era (2009-10) to have this statline or better on the road.
SCRUGGS BREAKOUT
Senior guard Alexandria Scruggs led the team with a season-high and game-high 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting (60 percent) in addition to a team-high five rebounds against Texas A&M.
It was her first game with double-digit points this season and first time leading the team in scoring.
Additionally, she is the seventh different Demon Deacon to lead the team in the first seven games of the season.
She was one point away from her career of 17 points set during the 2020-21 season at North Carolina.
ASSISTS ON MADE BASKETS
Wake Forest recorded an assist on 15 of its 21 baskets (71.4 percent) against Texas A&M. This season, the Deacs have assisted 90 of 155 made field goals (58.1 percent).
FORCING TURNOVERS
With 12 forced turnovers against the Dukes, the Deacs have forced double-digit turnovers in every game this season and have turned over opponents 128 times in eight games. The average of 16 turnovers forced per game is an increase from last year's 14.4 turnovers forced per game.
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' game against BYU, they 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.
FROM THE LINE
Through eight 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 72.4 percent (89-of-123) this season.
Additionally, the Deacs are getting to the line more this season as they are attempting 15.4 free throws this season compared to 15.3 attempts a season ago.
Wake Forest is totaling 11.1 free throws made per game this year compared to last year's 10.1 free throws made per game.
LAST TIME
Wake Forest at James Madison (Dec. 3)
Result: L, 74-65
Versus Charlotte
Series: Wake Forest leads 14-5
Last Time: Dec. 11, 2022
Result: W, 63-54
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
The Demon Deacons remain home for a Sunday matinee contest at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum against Norfolk State.
The 2:00 p.m. tipoff can also be seen on ACC Network Extra.
The Demon Deacons (2-6) have won 11 of the last 12 games in the series including the last three. Junior guard Elise Williams and graduate guard Kaia Harrison will look to repeat their career performances from a season ago against the 49ers. In the win at Charlotte, Williams posted a career-high 18 points while Harrison dished out a career-high nine assists. Williams is coming off one of her best games of the season, tallying a team-high 13 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the floor. Additionally, Williams led the team with eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a 60.0 shooting percentage. She is the first Wake Forest player since Ivana Raca on Feb. 7, 2019 against Clemson to have 13 or more points, eight or more rebounds, four or more assists and three or more steals in a single game.
The 49ers (5-4) are 1-2 on the road this season including a loss in their most recent outing at VCU, 57-49. The other four wins this season for Charlotte have come at home. Through nine games this season, the 49ers have been one of the better teams in the country on the defensive end of the floor, ranking 23rd nationally in Field Goal Percentage Defense (33.9 pct.) while also ranking 35th nationally in Three-Point Percentage Defense (24.0 pct.). Offensively, they have gotten to the free throw line over 21 times per game, making 15.56 free throws per game which is 39th in the country. Charlotte is led by guard Dazia Lawrence who is 13th nationally with 46 free throw makes while getting to the line 53 total times which is 19th nationally.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network Extra 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).
DEARICA WINS GOLD FOR TEAM USA
Representing Team USA in the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Demon Deacon alum Dearica Hamby helped the United States take home gold, knocking down the game winning shot in the gold medal game to cap off an impressive comeback victory over Brazil.
Hamby earned MVP honors, leading Team USA in scoring with 33 points while having a prominent impact on defense.
In the Gold Medal game, Hamby finished with six points and five rebounds while shooting 6-of-8 from the floor.
She ended the tournament with 6.6 points per game and 7.0 rebounds per game. Her 35 total rebounds over the five games were the most in the tournament. Team USA finished a perfect 5-0 in the tournament and outside of the Gold Medal game won the other four games by at least five points.
ELISE'S LINE
Against James Madison, Elise Williams tallied a team-high 13 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the floor. Additionally, Williams led the team with eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a 60.0 shooting percentage.
She became the first Wake Forest player since Ivana Raca on Feb. 7, 2019 against Clemson to have 13 or more points, eight or more rebounds, four or more assists and three or more steals in a single game. Williams is the only Wake Forest player in the HerHoopsStats era (2009-10) to have this statline or better on the road.
SCRUGGS BREAKOUT
Senior guard Alexandria Scruggs led the team with a season-high and game-high 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting (60 percent) in addition to a team-high five rebounds against Texas A&M.
It was her first game with double-digit points this season and first time leading the team in scoring.
Additionally, she is the seventh different Demon Deacon to lead the team in the first seven games of the season.
She was one point away from her career of 17 points set during the 2020-21 season at North Carolina.
ASSISTS ON MADE BASKETS
Wake Forest recorded an assist on 15 of its 21 baskets (71.4 percent) against Texas A&M. This season, the Deacs have assisted 90 of 155 made field goals (58.1 percent).
FORCING TURNOVERS
With 12 forced turnovers against the Dukes, the Deacs have forced double-digit turnovers in every game this season and have turned over opponents 128 times in eight games. The average of 16 turnovers forced per game is an increase from last year's 14.4 turnovers forced per game.
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' game against BYU, they 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.
FROM THE LINE
Through eight 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 72.4 percent (89-of-123) this season.
Additionally, the Deacs are getting to the line more this season as they are attempting 15.4 free throws this season compared to 15.3 attempts a season ago.
Wake Forest is totaling 11.1 free throws made per game this year compared to last year's 10.1 free throws made per game.
LAST TIME
Wake Forest at James Madison (Dec. 3)
Result: L, 74-65
- The Demon Deacons battled from 13-points down in the fourth quarter with the help of a 15-0 run to take the lead with 2:17 left in the game. On the next offensive possession, a Kaia Harrison layup put the Deacs back in front again, 53-51, but were unable to close out the win.
- Wake Forest forced the Dukes to 35.0 pct. from the field, 30.0 pct. from three and 50.0 pct. from the free throw line while also forcing 12 turnovers in the game. The Demon Deacons have forced double-digit turnovers in every game this season.
- Junior guard Elise Williams led the Deacs in nearly every statistical category, posting a team-high 13 points, a team-high eight rebounds, a team-high four assists and a team-high three steals. Williams' eight boards, three steals, 38 minutes played, six field goals made and 60.0 field goal percentage were all season-highs.
Versus Charlotte
Series: Wake Forest leads 14-5
Last Time: Dec. 11, 2022
Result: W, 63-54
- The Deacs were led by strong front court play with multiple career-highs as Williams led Wake Forest with 18 points, tying her career high while senior guard Kaia Harrison dished out a team-best and new career-high nine assists.
- It marks the most assists by a Demon Deacon since the 2020-21 season. Additionally, it bested Harrison's previous career high of six assists by three. She added nine points to her statline while also pulling down five rebounds.
- As a team, Wake Forest finished the game with 15 assists on 23 made baskets.
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, 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
The Demon Deacons remain home for a Sunday matinee contest at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum against Norfolk State.
The 2:00 p.m. tipoff can also be seen on ACC Network Extra.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Basketball
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