Deacs In Search of Bounce Back Win Saturday at LJVM Coliseum
11/21/2024 7:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Demon Deacons will look to have the best start in the Megan Gebbia era and improve to 4-2 overall and 3-1 in home games.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team has its third-straight game at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum Saturday afternoon against Davidson.
The Demon Deacons (3-2) are looking to bounce back after a loss to George Mason on Wednesday night as both teams had strong defense performances. Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank 17th in the country in scoring defenses as teams are averaging just 49.0 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 27th nationally entering Saturday. The Demon Deacons also rank 46th in the country with 12.0 steals per game.
The Wildcats (2-2) are coming into Saturday off seven days of rest, last capturing a home win over Wofford on Nov. 16. In two road games so far this season, the Wildcats are 0-2 with losses at High Point and Cincinnati. Davidson has a balanced scoring attack with four players averaging 9.0 or more points per game. They have thrived off limiting teams from behind the arc so far this season as opponents are shooting just 20.7 percent from distance which is 13th nationally and second in the A-10.
Tipoff for Saturday is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network Extra for Saturday's game. A live stats feed can be found here for Saturday. 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 Saturday afternoon as she is currently 24th is 35 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 34 threes in the first five games (4.3 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the week ranked 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 58.8 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (10-of-17 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 Wednesday against George Mason with eight assists on 11 made baskets (72.7 pct.). Additionally, they have assisted on 68 of 117 made baskets this season (58.1 pct.)
Sunday against Winthrop the Demon Deacons had 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 47th time in the last 48 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 48-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
In total, the Deacs forced 20 turnovers against George Mason, the third time this season that the Deacs have forced 20 or more turnovers. The three games with 20-plus turnovers forced nearly matches the total number of games last season when the Deacs finished with four such games.
Over the last 13 games, the Deacs are averaging 16.5 turnovers forced per game. Additionally, the Deacs have forced 19.2 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.
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 five 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. George Mason (November 20)
Result: L, 50-41
Versus Davidson
Series: Wake Forest leads 9-4
Last: Nov. 11, 2023
Result: L – 57-52
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons continue their homestand Wednesday when the Deacs play host to Fairfield.
Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 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 (3-2) are looking to bounce back after a loss to George Mason on Wednesday night as both teams had strong defense performances. Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank 17th in the country in scoring defenses as teams are averaging just 49.0 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 27th nationally entering Saturday. The Demon Deacons also rank 46th in the country with 12.0 steals per game.
The Wildcats (2-2) are coming into Saturday off seven days of rest, last capturing a home win over Wofford on Nov. 16. In two road games so far this season, the Wildcats are 0-2 with losses at High Point and Cincinnati. Davidson has a balanced scoring attack with four players averaging 9.0 or more points per game. They have thrived off limiting teams from behind the arc so far this season as opponents are shooting just 20.7 percent from distance which is 13th nationally and second in the A-10.
Tipoff for Saturday is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network Extra for Saturday's game. A live stats feed can be found here for Saturday. 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 Saturday afternoon as she is currently 24th is 35 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.) | 1,114 |
| 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 34 threes in the first five games (4.3 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the week ranked 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 58.8 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (10-of-17 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 Wednesday against George Mason with eight assists on 11 made baskets (72.7 pct.). Additionally, they have assisted on 68 of 117 made baskets this season (58.1 pct.)
Sunday against Winthrop the Demon Deacons had 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 47th time in the last 48 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 48-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
In total, the Deacs forced 20 turnovers against George Mason, the third time this season that the Deacs have forced 20 or more turnovers. The three games with 20-plus turnovers forced nearly matches the total number of games last season when the Deacs finished with four such games.
Over the last 13 games, the Deacs are averaging 16.5 turnovers forced per game. Additionally, the Deacs have forced 19.2 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.
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 five 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. George Mason (November 20)
Result: L, 50-41
- The Demon Deacons held George Mason to a season-low 50 points, as the Patriots entered the contest averaging 85 points per game through their first four contests.
- Defensively, the Demon Deacons forced double-digit turnovers for the 47th time in the last 48 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024, as Wake Forest forced 20 turnovers on the night.
- George Mason came into the game ranked 14th nationally and first in the Atlantic-10 with 12.0 turnovers per game. It marked the most turnovers by The Patriots since the squad had 24 against East Carolina on Dec. 18, 2023.
- On the offensive end, Theuerkauf was joined in double figures by redshirt senior Demeara Hinds' 10 points, while forward Malaya Cowles grabbed a game-high seven rebounds for the Demon Deacons.
Versus Davidson
Series: Wake Forest leads 9-4
Last: Nov. 11, 2023
Result: L – 57-52
- Defensively, Wake Forest held Davidson to just 37.9 percent shooting from the field and 19 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Of note, the Demon Deacons forced 12 turnovers.
- Individually, the Deacs were led by junior guard Elise Williams, who tallied 16 points. Graduate guard Kaia Harrison joined Williams as the lone Demon Deacons to score in double figures as she notched 10 points, while shooting an impressive 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons continue their homestand Wednesday when the Deacs play host to Fairfield.
Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 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
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
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Thursday, September 18
Matt Barrie SportsCenter at Wake Forest with Demond Claiborne
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