Wake Forest Athletics
Deacs Look to Remain Undefeated at LJVM Coliseum Wednesday Night
11/18/2024 11:15:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Demon Deacons play host to undefeated George Mason who finished 23-8 a season ago and 14-4 in the Atlantic-10.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team continues its homestand at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum Wednesday night against George Mason.
The Demon Deacons (3-1) are looking to continue their winning ways at home after a 62-point win on Opening Night against Queens (N.C.) and a 16-point victory over Winthrop Sunday afternoon. The Deacs are looking to claim the best start in the Gebbia era with a win Wednesday night. Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank 22th in the country in scoring defenses as teams are averaging just 48.8 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 33rd nationally entering Wednesday. On the offensive end, Wake Forest ranks 20th nationally in three-point percentage, shooting 41.0 percent from behind the arc while also averaging 8.0 threes made per game.
The Patriots (4-0) have had a strong start to the season and they are coming off the second-most wins in program history after finishing 23-8 in 2023-24 and earned a bid to the inaugural WBIT. So far this season, George Mason has been one of the better teams in the country at protecting the basketball, ranking 16th nationally with just 12.0 turnovers per game. The Patriots also rank 22nd nationally with a +10.3 turnover margin per game. Offensively, they are led by sophomore guard Kennedy Harris who is averaging 1.5 points per game while also leading the team with 4.8 assists per game.
Tipoff for Wednesday is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network for Wednesday's game. A live stats feed can be found here for Wednesday. 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).
1K AND COUNTING
Williams reached 1,000 points in the regular season home finale against Clemson. She entered the 2024-25 season ranked 28th in program history in scoring with 1,065 in 99 career games. Williams added to that total on Opening Night with 13 points against Queens, nine points in the win at Charlotte and 11 points at Villanova.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Wednesday night as she is currently tied with Raeanna Mulholland (1993-97) in 24th and is 39 points away from Alex Sharp (2016-20) for 23rd:
FEELING 100
The Demon Deacons scored 102 points in the season opener against Queens, the most by a Megan Gebbia-coached team. Additionally, it marked the first time the Deacs have reached the 100-point mark since scoring 106 points against College of Charleston on Nov. 8, 2019.
The 39 made field goals mark the most for Wake Forest since making 40 against College of Charleston in a 106-50 victory back on Nov. 8, 2019. The Deacs 60.9 field goal percentage ranks third in the country through the opening two days of play around the country, trailing just Utah (62.5 pct.) and Virginia Tech (61.8 pct.).
The 62-point margin of victory was the most since defeating NC Central, 111-47, on Nov. 14, 2010. Additionally, the 62-point victory was the 11th highest in the nation through the opening two days of competition.
SHARPSHOOTERS
The Deacs have gotten off to a quick start from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season, knocking down 32 threes in the first three games (8.0 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs rank 20th nationally , knocking down 41.0 percent of threes this season.
Overall, the 2023-24 Wake Forest team knocked down 204 threes this season which ranks fourth in program history:
HOME COOKING WITH COWLES
Malaya Cowles, who led the team in shooting percentage during the 2023-24 season shot a stellar 73-of-126 (57.9 percent) from the floor while inside LJVM Coliseum.
She is off to a similar start in this season, shooting 69.2 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (9-of-13 FG) including shooting 77.8 percent from the field against Queens (7-of-9 FG).
ASSISTS ON MADE BASKETS
The Deacs did a great job of sharing the basketball, finishing the Sunday against Winthrop with 20 assists on 26 made baskets (76.9 pct.).
This marked the most assists for Wake Forest since they recorded 24 against Saint Louis on Nov. 20, 2023. Nine of the 10 Demon Deacons that played had at least one assist, with six recording multiple.
Last season, the Deacs assisted 404 of 694 made field goals (58.2 percent). This matches the same percentage from last season and ranks in the 72nd percentile.
FORCING TURNOVERS
Defensively, the Demon Deacons forced double-digit turnovers for the 46th time in the last 47 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 46-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
Over the last 12 games, the Deacs are averaging 16.2 turnovers forced per game. Additionally, the Deacs have forced 19.0 turnovers per game this season.
In total, the Deacs forced 24 turnovers against the 49ers, the second time this season that the Deacs have forced 20 or more turnovers. This marks just the second time since 2018-19 that the Demon Deacons have forced 20 or more turnovers in back-to-back games.
The Deacs forced 26 turnovers against the Royals to open the season on Nov. 4, the most in a game since the victory over BYU on Nov. 18, 2023. It resulted in 39 points on the offensive end of the floor.
Over the last 11 games of last season, the Deacs averaged 16.3 turnovers forced per game.
In total, the Deacs forced 20 turnovers four times over the course of the 2023-24 season which were also the four highest turnover forced games in the Megan Gebbia era:
1. vs. BYU - 25 turnovers forced (Nov. 18, 2023)
2. vs. North Carolina - 24 turnovers forced (Feb. 18, 2024)
T3. at Clemson - 20 turnovers forced (Jan. 28, 2024)
T3. vs. NC A&T - 20 turnovers forced (Nov. 15, 2023)
FROM THE LINE
The Demon Deacons got off to a strong start from the charity stripe on opening night, knocking down 15-of-19 free throws (78.9 pct.). Against Villanova, the Deacs were 10-of-12 at the line (83.3 pct.).
The Demon Deacons have shot 75 percent or from the line in three of the first four games of the 2024-25 season.
Elise Williams averaged a career-best 82.8 percent from the stripe (96-of-116). Additionally with the help of going 7-of-8 from the line to start the season, she is now ranks eighth in program history in career free throw percentage:
Wake Forest has seen a massive uptick in free throw shooting percentage, going from 66.0 percent (343-of-520) in 2022-23 to 73.1 percent (324-of-447) in 2023-24.
Not only are the Deacs having a resurgent season at the line but one of the best in program history:
LAST TIME
Wake Forest vs. Winthrop (November 17)
Result: W, 66-50
Versus George Mason
Series: Wake Forest leads 1-0
Last: Nov. 24, 1988
Result: W – 90-56
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons continue their homestand Saturday when the Deacs play host to in-state Davidson.
Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
Women's Basketball Tickets
Season Tickets On Sale
Claim your season ticket today at GoDeacs.com/tickets or by calling the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322.
Women's basketball season tickets start at just $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:
Wake Forest women's basketball single-game tickets are now on sale, starting at $10 per game.
The best way to get your single-game tickets is at GoDeacs.com/tickets or by calling the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322.
4-Packs are also on sale and will only be available for Sunday games.
The Demon Deacons (3-1) are looking to continue their winning ways at home after a 62-point win on Opening Night against Queens (N.C.) and a 16-point victory over Winthrop Sunday afternoon. The Deacs are looking to claim the best start in the Gebbia era with a win Wednesday night. Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank 22th in the country in scoring defenses as teams are averaging just 48.8 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 33rd nationally entering Wednesday. On the offensive end, Wake Forest ranks 20th nationally in three-point percentage, shooting 41.0 percent from behind the arc while also averaging 8.0 threes made per game.
The Patriots (4-0) have had a strong start to the season and they are coming off the second-most wins in program history after finishing 23-8 in 2023-24 and earned a bid to the inaugural WBIT. So far this season, George Mason has been one of the better teams in the country at protecting the basketball, ranking 16th nationally with just 12.0 turnovers per game. The Patriots also rank 22nd nationally with a +10.3 turnover margin per game. Offensively, they are led by sophomore guard Kennedy Harris who is averaging 1.5 points per game while also leading the team with 4.8 assists per game.
Tipoff for Wednesday is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network for Wednesday's game. A live stats feed can be found here for Wednesday. 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).
1K AND COUNTING
Williams reached 1,000 points in the regular season home finale against Clemson. She entered the 2024-25 season ranked 28th in program history in scoring with 1,065 in 99 career games. Williams added to that total on Opening Night with 13 points against Queens, nine points in the win at Charlotte and 11 points at Villanova.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Wednesday night as she is currently tied with Raeanna Mulholland (1993-97) in 24th and is 39 points away from Alex Sharp (2016-20) for 23rd:
| Rank | Player | Career Points |
| 22. | Beth Davis (1988-91) | 1,172 |
| 23. | Alex Sharp (2016-20) | 1,149 |
| T24. | Elise Williams (2021-Pres.) | 1,110 |
| T24. | Raeanna Mulholland (1993-97) | 1,110 |
| 25. | Sicily Ray (2008-12) | 1,099 |
| 27. | Ariel Stephenson (2015-19) | 1,079 |
| 28. | Tonia Brown (2000-04) | 1,073 |
| 29. | Erin Ferrell (2001-05) | 1,044 |
| 30. | Gina Conti (2017-21) | 1,037 |
| 31. | Barbara Buchanan (1980-84) | 1,023 |
FEELING 100
The Demon Deacons scored 102 points in the season opener against Queens, the most by a Megan Gebbia-coached team. Additionally, it marked the first time the Deacs have reached the 100-point mark since scoring 106 points against College of Charleston on Nov. 8, 2019.
- Most Points Scored by a Gebbia-Coached Team
- Nov. 7, 2024 | Wake Forest vs. Queens (W, 102-40)
- Nov. 20, 2023 | Wake Forest vs. Saint Louis (W, 94-66)
- Nov. 14, 2018 | American vs. George Mason (W, 86-71)
- Dec. 15, 2022 | Wake Forest vs. Longwood (W, 83-43)
- Jan. 16, 2019 | American vs. Loyola-Maryland (W, 82-38)
- Jan. 14, 2018 | American vs. Lehigh (W, 82-64)
- Nov. 17, 2013 | American vs. Massachusetts (W, 82-59)
- Jan. 19, 2022 | American vs. Army (W 80-65)
| Date | Opponent | Score |
| 11/27/82 | S.C. Baptist | W, 101-45 |
| 11/27/85 | Cheyney | W, 107-85 |
| 1/22/86 | S.C. Baptist | W, 106-68 |
| 12/1/86 | Coastal Carolina | W, 101-34 |
| 1/2/88 | Delaware State | W, 122-71 |
| 12/2/88 | Coppin State | W, 113-64 |
| 12/3/88 | Tennessee State | W, 109-58 |
| 12/30/88 | Kansas | L, 100-105 (OT) |
| 1/2/89 | Hofstra | W, 104-51 |
| 1/2/91 | Bucknell | W, 114-63 |
| 12/19/95 | UNC Asheville | W, 104-58 |
| 3/18/05 | Charlotte | W, 100-75 |
| 12/19/05 | Lipscomb | W, 100-38 |
| 2/21/06 | Savannah State | W, 100-51 |
| 11/14/10 | NC Central | W, 111-47 |
| 2/27/11 | NC State | W, 100-94 (OT) |
| 11/8/19 | College of Charleston | W, 106-50 |
| 11/4/24 | Queens (N.C.) | W, 102-40 |
The 39 made field goals mark the most for Wake Forest since making 40 against College of Charleston in a 106-50 victory back on Nov. 8, 2019. The Deacs 60.9 field goal percentage ranks third in the country through the opening two days of play around the country, trailing just Utah (62.5 pct.) and Virginia Tech (61.8 pct.).
The 62-point margin of victory was the most since defeating NC Central, 111-47, on Nov. 14, 2010. Additionally, the 62-point victory was the 11th highest in the nation through the opening two days of competition.
SHARPSHOOTERS
The Deacs have gotten off to a quick start from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season, knocking down 32 threes in the first three games (8.0 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs rank 20th nationally , knocking down 41.0 percent of threes this season.
Overall, the 2023-24 Wake Forest team knocked down 204 threes this season which ranks fourth in program history:
| Rank | Single-Season Threes Made | Year |
| 1. | 275 | 2004-05 |
| 2. | 227 | 2022-23 |
| 3. | 215 | 2005-06 |
| 4. | 204 | 2023-24 |
| 5. | 195 | 2021-22 |
HOME COOKING WITH COWLES
Malaya Cowles, who led the team in shooting percentage during the 2023-24 season shot a stellar 73-of-126 (57.9 percent) from the floor while inside LJVM Coliseum.
She is off to a similar start in this season, shooting 69.2 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (9-of-13 FG) including shooting 77.8 percent from the field against Queens (7-of-9 FG).
ASSISTS ON MADE BASKETS
The Deacs did a great job of sharing the basketball, finishing the Sunday against Winthrop with 20 assists on 26 made baskets (76.9 pct.).
This marked the most assists for Wake Forest since they recorded 24 against Saint Louis on Nov. 20, 2023. Nine of the 10 Demon Deacons that played had at least one assist, with six recording multiple.
Last season, the Deacs assisted 404 of 694 made field goals (58.2 percent). This matches the same percentage from last season and ranks in the 72nd percentile.
FORCING TURNOVERS
Defensively, the Demon Deacons forced double-digit turnovers for the 46th time in the last 47 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 46-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
Over the last 12 games, the Deacs are averaging 16.2 turnovers forced per game. Additionally, the Deacs have forced 19.0 turnovers per game this season.
In total, the Deacs forced 24 turnovers against the 49ers, the second time this season that the Deacs have forced 20 or more turnovers. This marks just the second time since 2018-19 that the Demon Deacons have forced 20 or more turnovers in back-to-back games.
The Deacs forced 26 turnovers against the Royals to open the season on Nov. 4, the most in a game since the victory over BYU on Nov. 18, 2023. It resulted in 39 points on the offensive end of the floor.
Over the last 11 games of last season, the Deacs averaged 16.3 turnovers forced per game.
In total, the Deacs forced 20 turnovers four times over the course of the 2023-24 season which were also the four highest turnover forced games in the Megan Gebbia era:
1. vs. BYU - 25 turnovers forced (Nov. 18, 2023)
2. vs. North Carolina - 24 turnovers forced (Feb. 18, 2024)
T3. at Clemson - 20 turnovers forced (Jan. 28, 2024)
T3. vs. NC A&T - 20 turnovers forced (Nov. 15, 2023)
FROM THE LINE
The Demon Deacons got off to a strong start from the charity stripe on opening night, knocking down 15-of-19 free throws (78.9 pct.). Against Villanova, the Deacs were 10-of-12 at the line (83.3 pct.).
The Demon Deacons have shot 75 percent or from the line in three of the first four games of the 2024-25 season.
Elise Williams averaged a career-best 82.8 percent from the stripe (96-of-116). Additionally with the help of going 7-of-8 from the line to start the season, she is now ranks eighth in program history in career free throw percentage:
| Rank | Player | Career FT Percentage |
| 1. | Nicole Levesque (1991-94) | .830 |
| 2. | Jewel Spear (2020-23) | .827 |
| 3. | Lisa Brookes (1981-84) | .823 |
| 4. | Alice Neal (1986-89) | .805 |
| 5. | Heidi Coleman (1995-99) | .800 |
| 6. | Beth Davis (1989-91) | .792 |
| 7. | Porsche' Jones (2004-06) | .778 |
| 8. | Elise Williams (2021-Present) | .775 |
| 9. | Ivana Raca (2017-21) | .765 |
| 10. | Amber Campbell (2014-18) | .755 |
Wake Forest has seen a massive uptick in free throw shooting percentage, going from 66.0 percent (343-of-520) in 2022-23 to 73.1 percent (324-of-447) in 2023-24.
Not only are the Deacs having a resurgent season at the line but one of the best in program history:
| Rank | Single-Season FT Percentage | Year |
| 1. | .753 (461-of-612) | 2004-05 |
| 2. | .741 (317-of-428) | 2020-21 |
| 3. | .725 (324-of-447) | 2023-24 |
| 4. | .724 (397-of-548) | 2005-06 |
| 5. | .719 (323-of-449) | 1993-94 |
| 6. | .707 (475-of-672) | 1991-92 |
| 7. | .694 (279-of-546) | 2021-22 |
| 8. | .693 (392-of-566) | 1985-86 |
| 9. | .691 (449-of-650) | 1990-91 |
| 10. | .686 (374-of-545) | 1992-93 |
Wake Forest vs. Winthrop (November 17)
Result: W, 66-50
- The Demon Deacons held the Eagles to just 17-of-50 (34 percent) from the floor Sunday night. So far this season, Wake Forest has limited opponents to just 48.8 points per-game which ranked 22nd in the country and third in ACC coming into the contest.
- Individually, Wake Forest was once again led by senior guard Elise Williams, who finished the contest with 12 points and is now tied for 24th in program history in career scoring with 1,110.
- She has now scored double-figures in 12 of her last 13 games and is averaging 17.4 points per game during that span. Williams also added five rebounds and four assists.
- As a team, the Deacs logged 20 assists on 26 made baskets (76.9 percent) Sunday. This marked the most assists for Wake Forest since they recorded 24 against Saint Louis on Nov. 20, 2023. Of note, nine of the 10 Demon Deacons that played had at least one assist, with six recording two or more.
Versus George Mason
Series: Wake Forest leads 1-0
Last: Nov. 24, 1988
Result: W – 90-56
- The Deacs are 1-0 all-time against George Mason with the Deacs winning the lone contest between the two schools on Nov. 24, 1988.
- The Demon Deacons own an 18-10 record against the Atlantic 10 all-time with the last time coming against St. Louis last season when the Deacs claimed a 94-66 victory as apart of the North Shore Showcase in Laia, Hawaii.
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons continue their homestand Saturday when the Deacs play host to in-state Davidson.
Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
Women's Basketball Tickets
Season Tickets On Sale
Claim your season ticket today at GoDeacs.com/tickets or by calling the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322.
Women's basketball season tickets start at just $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 or dinner opportunity with the Wake Forest women's basketball team
- Access to The Blue Ridge Room for free light refreshments and snacks before and during select home games
- "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 videoboard graphics made for them as well
Wake Forest women's basketball single-game tickets are now on sale, starting at $10 per game.
The best way to get your single-game tickets is at GoDeacs.com/tickets or by calling the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322.
4-Packs are also on sale and will only be available for Sunday games.
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
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