Wake Forest Athletics
Sunday, December 15
Winston-Salem, N.C.
4 p.m.
Wake Forest University
vs
Clemson
Deacs Set for ACC Opener Against Clemson Sunday
12/12/2024 11:52:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The Demon Deacons will look to start ACC play with a win for the first time since the historic 2020-21 NCAA Tournament season.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Conference season is here as the Wake Forest women's basketball team is back on the home Sunday afternoon when they play host to Clemson for the ACC opener at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Demon Deacons (6-4, 0-0 ACC) are looking to bounce back after a loss to St. John's on Sunday and start ACC play with a win for the first time since the historic 2020-21 NCAA Tournament season. Since the NET was initially released on Dec. 1, the Deacs have moved up three spots and are currently No. 86 in the latest release. Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank 18th in the country in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 53.3 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 37th nationally entering Sunday and 66th in three-point field goal defense. The Demon Deacons also rank 63rd in the country with 10.3 steals per game.
The Tigers (6-3, 0-0 ACC) three losses this season have all come against SEC teams including most recently in the ACC/SEC Challenge to Florida. Clemson comes into the matchup currently ranked No. 66 in the NET rankings and would be the Demon Deacons highest ranked NET win this season. The Tigers are led by transfer point guard Loyal McQueen who is currently 25th in the nation with 5.6 assists per game while also leading the team in scoring with 13.8 points per game. Clemson has been one of the better free throw shooting teams in the country, currently ranking ninth with a 79.7 percentage at the line. The Tigers also have a top-25 scoring defense as their 53.9 points per game allowed ranks 24th nationally.
Tipoff for Sunday is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network 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 has added to that total, scoring 97 points so far this season.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Wednesday afternoon as she is 23rd and is 10 points away from Beth Davis (1988-91) for 22nd:
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 64.1 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (25-of-39 FG) including shooting 77.8 percent from the field against Queens (7-of-9 FG), 87.5 percent from the field against Gardner-Webb (7-of-8) and 88.9 percent from the field against Campbell (8-of-9).
ASSISTS ON MADE BASKETS
The Deacs did a great job of sharing the basketball, finishing Wednesday night against Campbell with 18 assists on 27 made baskets (66.7 pct.). Additionally, they have assisted on 144 of 236 made baskets this season (61.0 pct.). Additionally over the last seven games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 104 of 156 made baskets or 67 percent.
Against Gardner-Webb, the Deacs finished with 20 assists on 29 made baskets (69.0 pct.). The Deacs did a great job against Fairfiled with 17 assists on 26 made baskets (65.4 pct.) and Davidson with 16 assists on 20 made baskets (80.0 pct.). Against George Mason, the Deacs tallied eight assists on 11 made baskets (72.7 pct.). 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.
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
Forcing the Red Storm into 13 turnovers, Wake Forest forced double-digit turnovers for the 51st time in the last 52 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 52-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 17 games, the Deacs are averaging 16.3 turnovers forced per game. Additionally, the Deacs have forced 17.3 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 have shot 75 percent or from the line in five of the first 10 games of the 2024-25 season.
A key to the Demon Deacons success this season has been the massive improvement at the line from Demeara Hinds. She came into the season shooting just 37.3 percent from the stripe (38-of-102 FT) and this season is nearly 40 percent better at the line, knocking down 73.5 percent (25-of-34 FT).
Elise Williams averaged a career-best 82.8 percent from the stripe (96-of-116). Additionally with the help of going 10-of-12 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:
SHARPSHOOTERS
The Deacs have gotten off to a quick start from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season, knocking down 56 threes in the first seven games (5.6 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 30.8 percent of their threes.
Overall, the 2023-24 Wake Forest team knocked down 204 threes this season which ranks fourth in program history:
LAST TIME
Wake Forest at St. John's (December 8)
Result: L – 63-45
Versus Clemson
Series: Clemson leads 56-27
Last: Feb. 29, 2024
Result: L – 68-64
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons are set to close the 2024 calendar year on Dec. 20 when the Deacs host UNC-Greensboro for the final non-conference game of the season.
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 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 (6-4, 0-0 ACC) are looking to bounce back after a loss to St. John's on Sunday and start ACC play with a win for the first time since the historic 2020-21 NCAA Tournament season. Since the NET was initially released on Dec. 1, the Deacs have moved up three spots and are currently No. 86 in the latest release. Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank 18th in the country in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 53.3 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 37th nationally entering Sunday and 66th in three-point field goal defense. The Demon Deacons also rank 63rd in the country with 10.3 steals per game.
The Tigers (6-3, 0-0 ACC) three losses this season have all come against SEC teams including most recently in the ACC/SEC Challenge to Florida. Clemson comes into the matchup currently ranked No. 66 in the NET rankings and would be the Demon Deacons highest ranked NET win this season. The Tigers are led by transfer point guard Loyal McQueen who is currently 25th in the nation with 5.6 assists per game while also leading the team in scoring with 13.8 points per game. Clemson has been one of the better free throw shooting teams in the country, currently ranking ninth with a 79.7 percentage at the line. The Tigers also have a top-25 scoring defense as their 53.9 points per game allowed ranks 24th nationally.
Tipoff for Sunday is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network 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 has added to that total, scoring 97 points so far this season.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Wednesday afternoon as she is 23rd and is 10 points away from Beth Davis (1988-91) for 22nd:
| Rank | Player | Career Points |
| 22. | Beth Davis (1988-91) | 1,172 |
| 23. | Elise Williams (2021-Pres.) | 1,162 |
| 24. | Alex Sharp (2016-20) | 1,149 |
| 25. | Raeanna Mulholland (1993-97) | 1,110 |
| 26. | 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 |
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 64.1 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (25-of-39 FG) including shooting 77.8 percent from the field against Queens (7-of-9 FG), 87.5 percent from the field against Gardner-Webb (7-of-8) and 88.9 percent from the field against Campbell (8-of-9).
ASSISTS ON MADE BASKETS
The Deacs did a great job of sharing the basketball, finishing Wednesday night against Campbell with 18 assists on 27 made baskets (66.7 pct.). Additionally, they have assisted on 144 of 236 made baskets this season (61.0 pct.). Additionally over the last seven games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 104 of 156 made baskets or 67 percent.
Against Gardner-Webb, the Deacs finished with 20 assists on 29 made baskets (69.0 pct.). The Deacs did a great job against Fairfiled with 17 assists on 26 made baskets (65.4 pct.) and Davidson with 16 assists on 20 made baskets (80.0 pct.). Against George Mason, the Deacs tallied eight assists on 11 made baskets (72.7 pct.). 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.
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
Forcing the Red Storm into 13 turnovers, Wake Forest forced double-digit turnovers for the 51st time in the last 52 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 52-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 17 games, the Deacs are averaging 16.3 turnovers forced per game. Additionally, the Deacs have forced 17.3 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 have shot 75 percent or from the line in five of the first 10 games of the 2024-25 season.
A key to the Demon Deacons success this season has been the massive improvement at the line from Demeara Hinds. She came into the season shooting just 37.3 percent from the stripe (38-of-102 FT) and this season is nearly 40 percent better at the line, knocking down 73.5 percent (25-of-34 FT).
Elise Williams averaged a career-best 82.8 percent from the stripe (96-of-116). Additionally with the help of going 10-of-12 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 |
SHARPSHOOTERS
The Deacs have gotten off to a quick start from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season, knocking down 56 threes in the first seven games (5.6 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 30.8 percent of their threes.
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 |
Wake Forest at St. John's (December 8)
Result: L – 63-45
- The Deacs were led by redshirt senior forward Demeara Hinds who had another impressive game from the field. Hinds ended the game with a team-high 17 points and a team-high eight rebounds. 11 of her 17 points came in the third quarter as the Demon Deacons cut into the deficit and by the end of the quarter were within four points of St. John's.
- Over the last two games, Hinds is averaging 14.0 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game including a double-double performance in a win over Campbell on Wednesday.
- Sophomore guard Rylie Theuerkauf posted her sixth double-figure scoring game in the last seven, posting 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting and finishing 2-for-3 at the free throw line.
- Forcing the Red Storm into 13 turnovers, Wake Forest forced double-digit turnovers for the 51st time in the last 52 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 52-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
- The Demon Deacons posted 11 points off those forced turnovers.
Versus Clemson
Series: Clemson leads 56-27
Last: Feb. 29, 2024
Result: L – 68-64
- This marks the third time Wake Forest will play Clemson in the calendar year after playing the Tigers in January and February during last season.
- In the last 25 matchups between the two schools, dating back to the 2009 season, Wake Forest holds a five-game win advantage in the series, owning a 15-10 record in that time.
- In the last matchup on Feb. 29, 2024, Wake Forest narrowly dropped a 68-64 decision at LJVM Coliseum. In the game, the Demon Deacons were led by Elise Williams who finished the night with 28 points to reach the career milestone of 1,000 points scored.
- The Demon Deacons had the best free throw shooting performance of the season, as the team went a stellar 13-of-14 (92.9 percent) from the charity stripe. Williams led the charge with a 9-of-10 clip from the line.
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons are set to close the 2024 calendar year on Dec. 20 when the Deacs host UNC-Greensboro for the final non-conference game of the season.
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 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
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
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