Sunday, November 10
Villanova, PA
2 p.m.
Wake Forest University
at
Villanova
Deacs Look for 3-0 Start at Villanova
11/9/2024 12:58:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Demon Deacons have earned wins over Queens and Charlotte this week and will travel to face Villanova who has made the NCAA Tournament in two of the last three seasons and advanced to the WBIT Finals last season.
VILLANOVA, Pa. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team is back on the road as the Deacs travel to play Villanova Sunday afternoon at Finneran Pavilion.
The Demon Deacons (2-0) are looking to continue their winning ways after a 62-point win on Opening Night against Queens (N.C.) and a staunch defensive showing in a 19-point win at Charlotte Thursday night. The Deacs are looking for their first 3-0 start since 2021-22 and the fifth in the last 10 seasons. So far this season, defense has been the Wake Forest calling card, holding opponents to just 40.5 points per game which ranks 24th in the country and third in ACC while holding opponents to 28.2 percent shooting which is 34th in the country.
The Wildcats have been one of the better teams in college basketball the last three seasons, earning bids to the 2022 and 2023 NCAA Tournaments and advancing to the Sweet 16 in 2023. Last season, the Wildcats advanced all the way to the finals of the inaugural WBIT before falling to champion Illinois. This marks the first game of the season for Villanova.
Tipoff for Sunday is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (ET) at Finneran Pavilion.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to FloSports ($) for Sunday's game. A live stats feed can be found here for Sunday. 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 and nine points in the win at Charlotte.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Sunday afternoon as she is one point away from 12 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 have gotten off to a quick start from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season, knocking down 19 threes in the first two games (9.5 3FGM per game). The Demon Deacons also rank 32nd nationally and fifth in the ACC with a 44.2 three-point shooting percentage.
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
The Deacs did a great job of sharing the basketball, finishing the Thursday with 12 assists on 19 made baskets (63.2 pct.).
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 44 times in the last 45 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11. The 45-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
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 on Monday, 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 16.7 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.).
Through two games, the Deacs are averaging 21.5 free throw attempts per game. This was seven more attempts than what the Deacs averaged a season ago.
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. Charlotte (November 7)
Result: W, 60-41
Versus Villanova
Series: Tied 1-1
Last: Nov. 26, 2023
Result: L – 74-64
UP NEXT
After being on the road the last two games, the Demon Deacons are back at home on Nov. 17 when they play host to Wintrop.
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 $10 per game.
The best way to get your single-game tickets is at GoDeacs.com/tickets or by calling the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322.
4-Packs are also on sale and will only be available for Sunday games.
The Demon Deacons (2-0) are looking to continue their winning ways after a 62-point win on Opening Night against Queens (N.C.) and a staunch defensive showing in a 19-point win at Charlotte Thursday night. The Deacs are looking for their first 3-0 start since 2021-22 and the fifth in the last 10 seasons. So far this season, defense has been the Wake Forest calling card, holding opponents to just 40.5 points per game which ranks 24th in the country and third in ACC while holding opponents to 28.2 percent shooting which is 34th in the country.
The Wildcats have been one of the better teams in college basketball the last three seasons, earning bids to the 2022 and 2023 NCAA Tournaments and advancing to the Sweet 16 in 2023. Last season, the Wildcats advanced all the way to the finals of the inaugural WBIT before falling to champion Illinois. This marks the first game of the season for Villanova.
Tipoff for Sunday is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (ET) at Finneran Pavilion.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to FloSports ($) for Sunday's game. A live stats feed can be found here for Sunday. 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 and nine points in the win at Charlotte.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Sunday afternoon as she is one point away from 12 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. | Elise Williams (2021-Pres.) | 1,087 |
| 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 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 have gotten off to a quick start from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season, knocking down 19 threes in the first two games (9.5 3FGM per game). The Demon Deacons also rank 32nd nationally and fifth in the ACC with a 44.2 three-point shooting percentage.
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
The Deacs did a great job of sharing the basketball, finishing the Thursday with 12 assists on 19 made baskets (63.2 pct.).
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 44 times in the last 45 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11. The 45-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
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 on Monday, 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 16.7 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.).
Through two games, the Deacs are averaging 21.5 free throw attempts per game. This was seven more attempts than what the Deacs averaged a season ago.
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) | .773 |
| 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. Charlotte (November 7)
Result: W, 60-41
- Charlotte was held to just 16-of-51 (31.4 percent) from the field as Wake Forest converted the 24 turnovers into 16 points.
- The two points the Deacs allowed in the fourth quarter are the fewest allowed in a quarter in program history. This tied the second quarter of the Xavier game on Dec. 8, 2016 when the Deacs held the Musketeers to just two points.
- Through two games, the Demon Deacons have allowed just 40.5 points per game. This marks the first time since the 2021-22 season that the Deacs have held back-to-back opponents to less than 50 points. Additionally, this marks the fewest points allowed in back-to-back games (81) since the 2010-11 season when the Deacs held Presbyterian and High Point to 77 combined points.
Versus Villanova
Series: Tied 1-1
Last: Nov. 26, 2023
Result: L – 74-64
- 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.
UP NEXT
After being on the road the last two games, the Demon Deacons are back at home on Nov. 17 when they play host to Wintrop.
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
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
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