Deacs Travel to Charlotte for First Road Game
11/6/2024 1:33:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Demon Deacons are looking to improve to 2-0 on the season for the second time in the Megan Gebbia era and capture its third road win in the last four games.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team is hitting the road for the first time this season as the Deacs travel to play Charlotte Thursday night at Halton Arena.
The Demon Deacons are looking to continue their winning ways after a 62-point win on Opening Night against Queens (N.C.) as seven players finished with double-figure scoring, helping the Deacs to their first 100-point scoring game since the start of the 2019 season. Additionally, it was the largest scoring margin since the start of the 2011 season. Wake Forest finished last season strong on the road with wins at Pitt and Georgia Tech. With a win Thursday night, the Demon Deacons would improve to 3-1 in their last four road appearances.
After finishing last season 16-15 last season, the 49ers claimed a 77-63 win over Presbyterian at home Monday night in the first game under head coach Tomekia Reed. Reed came to Charlotte from Jackson State where she was a four-time SWAC Coach of the Year and most recently led Jackson State to the NCAA Tournament. On Monday, the 49ers forced 35 turnovers that helped lead to 28 points. Additionally, they had five players finish with nine or more points including a team-high 13 points from guard Hayleigh Breland.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (ET) at Halton Arena.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ESPN+ 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).
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.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Thursday night as she is one point away from Ariel Stephenson (2015-19) in 26th and 21 points away from Sicily Ray (2008-12) in 25th:
FEELING 100
The Demon Deacons scored 102 points Monday night, 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
Overall, the 2023-24 Wake Forest team knocked down 204 threes this season which ranks fourth in program history:
The Deacs got off to a quick start from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season, knocking down 9-of-20 threes in the season opener. The nine three would have ranked fourth last season as the Deacs reached double-digit threes on just three occasions and averaged 6.4 threes made per game.
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 77.8 percent from the field against Queens (7-of-9 FG).
ASSISTS ON MADE BASKETS
In the season opener on Monday, the Demon Deacons recorded 18 assists on 39 made baskets (46.2 percent) against Queens.
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 43 times in the last 44 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11. The 44-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
The Deacs forced 26 turnovers against the Royals, 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 10 games of last season, the Deacs averaged 16.0 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.). This was five more attempts than what the Deacs averaged a season ago and their percentage was 6.4 percent better than last year.
Elise Williams averaged a career-best 82.8 percent from the stripe (96-of-116). Additionally with the help of 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. Queens (N.C.) (November 4)
Result: W, 102-40
Versus Charlotte
Series: Wake Forest leads 14-6
Last: Dec. 7, 2023
Result: L – 69-58
UP NEXT
Following Opening Night at LJVM Coliseum, the Demon Deacons are on the road for the next two games as they travel to Charlotte on Thursday night for a tilt with the 49ers. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Last season, Charlotte finished 16-15 overall and 9-9 in the American. They are led by first-year head coach Tomekia Reed who comes in from Jackson State.
The Demon Deacons have won 11 of the last 13 matchups against the 49ers.
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 are looking to continue their winning ways after a 62-point win on Opening Night against Queens (N.C.) as seven players finished with double-figure scoring, helping the Deacs to their first 100-point scoring game since the start of the 2019 season. Additionally, it was the largest scoring margin since the start of the 2011 season. Wake Forest finished last season strong on the road with wins at Pitt and Georgia Tech. With a win Thursday night, the Demon Deacons would improve to 3-1 in their last four road appearances.
After finishing last season 16-15 last season, the 49ers claimed a 77-63 win over Presbyterian at home Monday night in the first game under head coach Tomekia Reed. Reed came to Charlotte from Jackson State where she was a four-time SWAC Coach of the Year and most recently led Jackson State to the NCAA Tournament. On Monday, the 49ers forced 35 turnovers that helped lead to 28 points. Additionally, they had five players finish with nine or more points including a team-high 13 points from guard Hayleigh Breland.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (ET) at Halton Arena.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ESPN+ 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).
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.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Thursday night as she is one point away from Ariel Stephenson (2015-19) in 26th and 21 points away from Sicily Ray (2008-12) in 25th:
| Rank | Player | Career Points |
| 22. | Beth Davis (1988-91) | 1,172 |
| 23. | Alex Sharp (2016-20) | 1,149 |
| 24. | Raeanna Mulholland (1993-97) | 1,110 |
| 25. | Sicily Ray (2008-12) | 1,099 |
| 26. | Ariel Stephenson (2015-19) | 1,079 |
| 27. | Elise Williams (2021-Pres.) | 1,078 |
| 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 Monday night, 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
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 |
The Deacs got off to a quick start from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season, knocking down 9-of-20 threes in the season opener. The nine three would have ranked fourth last season as the Deacs reached double-digit threes on just three occasions and averaged 6.4 threes made per game.
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 77.8 percent from the field against Queens (7-of-9 FG).
ASSISTS ON MADE BASKETS
In the season opener on Monday, the Demon Deacons recorded 18 assists on 39 made baskets (46.2 percent) against Queens.
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 43 times in the last 44 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11. The 44-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
The Deacs forced 26 turnovers against the Royals, 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 10 games of last season, the Deacs averaged 16.0 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.). This was five more attempts than what the Deacs averaged a season ago and their percentage was 6.4 percent better than last year.
Elise Williams averaged a career-best 82.8 percent from the stripe (96-of-116). Additionally with the help of 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) | .774 |
| 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. Queens (N.C.) (November 4)
Result: W, 102-40
- The Demon Deacons had seven student-athletes finish in double figures led by graduate transfer Tamia Jones and redshirt junior Malaya Cowles with 15 points. The duo was joined in double figures by sophomore Riley Theuerkauf (13), senior Elise Williams (13), redshirt senior Demeara Hinds (12), sophomore Madisyn Jordan (11) and senior Alyssa Andrews (10). The seven players in double figures mark the most in a game in the Gebbia era.
- Andrews also collected a team-high 10 rebounds in the win, marking her second career double-double and first since her freshman year against South Carolina State on Dec. 15, 2021.
- The 62-point margin of victory was the most since defeating NC Central, 111-47, on Nov. 14, 2010.
- Collecting 18 steals in the game, 10 of the 11 players had at least one steal including three each from senior Raegyn Conley and Williams.
- The Deacs also dominated in the paint, netting 56 points in the restricted area while also finishing +17 in rebounding.
Versus Charlotte
Series: Wake Forest leads 14-6
Last: Dec. 7, 2023
Result: L – 69-58
- Malaya Cowles led the team with 18 points on an efficient 9-of-13 mark from the floor in addition to a season-high eight rebounds.
- Cowles came out red hot in the third quarter, scoring 10 of her 18 points in the 10-minute stretch. She shot 5-of-6 from the field in the third while also grabbing four of her eight rebounds.
- Elise Williams had another strong offensive performance with 16 points in addition to a team-high five assists and a steal. The Raleigh native went 6-of-7 (.857) from the free throw line.
UP NEXT
Following Opening Night at LJVM Coliseum, the Demon Deacons are on the road for the next two games as they travel to Charlotte on Thursday night for a tilt with the 49ers. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Last season, Charlotte finished 16-15 overall and 9-9 in the American. They are led by first-year head coach Tomekia Reed who comes in from Jackson State.
The Demon Deacons have won 11 of the last 13 matchups against the 49ers.
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
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