Friday, December 20
Winston-Salem, N.C.
3 p.m.
Wake Forest University
7-5,0-1ACC
54
vs
50
UNC Greensboro
7-5,0-0SoCon
1
2
3
4
F
UNC Greensboro
8
14
14
14
50
Wake Forest
12
14
12
16
54
Deacs Set for ACC Road Opener at Virginia
12/30/2024 3:24:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Demon Deacons will travel to Charlottesville for a 7 p.m. tipoff to start the New Year on Thursday, Jan. 2.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – In the first game of the New Year and the first road game of ACC play, the Wake Forest women's basketball team is set to travel to Virginia for a Thursday evening matchup at John Paul Jones Arena.
The Demon Deacons (7-5, 0-1 ACC) are looking to build off a win to end the 2024 calendar year over UNC-Greensboro. The Deacs were led by redshirt junior forward Malaya Cowles, who recorded her second double-double of the year and fourth by a Demon Deacon this season as she finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank 19th in the country and second in the ACC in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 54.0 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 30th nationally entering Thursday. The Demon Deacons also rank top 50 in the nation with 26.5 opponent three-point percentage.
The Cavaliers (8-6, 0-2 ACC) have played their best basketball at home this season as that is where seven of their eight wins have come from. The only losses at home have come to Auburn in the ACC/SEC Challenge and Boston College in the ACC opener. Virginia is looking to bounce back after a loss on Dec. 29 to No. 3 Notre Dame, 95-54. The Cavaliers are led by sophomore guard Kymora Johnson who is averaging 17.9 points per game while also having a team-high 4.7 assists per game to go along with 5.7 rebounds per game. Virginia has been one of the better rebounding and shot blocking teams in the country this season, ranking 18th nationally in blocked shots per game and 24th nationally in rebounds per game.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (ET) at John Paul Jones Arena.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network Extra 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 last season. 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 Friday 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 56.7 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (34-of-60 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 have done an excellent job of moving the ball so far this season, as they have assisted on 165 of 276 made baskets this season (59.8 pct.). Additionally over the last nine games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 125 of 196 made baskets or 64 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).
FORCING TURNOVERS
Forcing UNC-Greensboro into 16 turnovers, Wake Forest forced double-digit turnovers for the 53rd time in the last 54 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 54-game stretch goes back to January of 2022. Through 12 games this season, Wake Forest has also totaled 113 steals. On the opposite end, Wake Forest has taken care of the basketball, allowing opponents just 72 swipeaways through the first 12 contests.
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.
Additionally, the Deacs have forced 15.4 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 seven of the first 12 games of the 2024-25 season, including a season-high last time out against Clemson at 90 percent (9-of-10).
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 71.1 percent (27-of-38 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:
Last season, Wake Forest saw 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 did the Deacs having a resurgent season at the line last season 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 67 threes in the first 12 games (5.6 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 30.5 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
UNC-Greensboro at Wake Forest (December 21)
Result: W – 54-50
Versus Virginia
Series: Virginia leads 71-11
Last: Feb. 11, 2024
Result: L – 87-79
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons will return home for the first conference game at LJVM Coliseum in the New Year when the Deacs play host to Louisville on Sunday, Jan. 5.
Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. on ACC Network.
Women's Basketball Tickets
Single-Game Tickets Now On Sale
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 (7-5, 0-1 ACC) are looking to build off a win to end the 2024 calendar year over UNC-Greensboro. The Deacs were led by redshirt junior forward Malaya Cowles, who recorded her second double-double of the year and fourth by a Demon Deacon this season as she finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank 19th in the country and second in the ACC in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 54.0 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 30th nationally entering Thursday. The Demon Deacons also rank top 50 in the nation with 26.5 opponent three-point percentage.
The Cavaliers (8-6, 0-2 ACC) have played their best basketball at home this season as that is where seven of their eight wins have come from. The only losses at home have come to Auburn in the ACC/SEC Challenge and Boston College in the ACC opener. Virginia is looking to bounce back after a loss on Dec. 29 to No. 3 Notre Dame, 95-54. The Cavaliers are led by sophomore guard Kymora Johnson who is averaging 17.9 points per game while also having a team-high 4.7 assists per game to go along with 5.7 rebounds per game. Virginia has been one of the better rebounding and shot blocking teams in the country this season, ranking 18th nationally in blocked shots per game and 24th nationally in rebounds per game.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (ET) at John Paul Jones Arena.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network Extra 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 last season. 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 Friday 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 56.7 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (34-of-60 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 have done an excellent job of moving the ball so far this season, as they have assisted on 165 of 276 made baskets this season (59.8 pct.). Additionally over the last nine games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 125 of 196 made baskets or 64 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).
FORCING TURNOVERS
Forcing UNC-Greensboro into 16 turnovers, Wake Forest forced double-digit turnovers for the 53rd time in the last 54 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 54-game stretch goes back to January of 2022. Through 12 games this season, Wake Forest has also totaled 113 steals. On the opposite end, Wake Forest has taken care of the basketball, allowing opponents just 72 swipeaways through the first 12 contests.
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.
Additionally, the Deacs have forced 15.4 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 seven of the first 12 games of the 2024-25 season, including a season-high last time out against Clemson at 90 percent (9-of-10).
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 71.1 percent (27-of-38 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 |
Last season, Wake Forest saw 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 did the Deacs having a resurgent season at the line last season 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 67 threes in the first 12 games (5.6 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 30.5 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 |
UNC-Greensboro at Wake Forest (December 21)
Result: W – 54-50
- The Deacs battled in all four quarters and held the Spartans to just 1-of-18 from beyond-the-arc Friday afternoon. Wake Forest is now holding opponents to just .262 percent from three this season, this currently ranks 50th in the nation and fifth in the ACC in three-point defense.
- This marks the first time since Feb. 4, 2024 against Georgia Tech the Deacs held an opponent to just one three pointer. Additionally, it was the first win that the Deacs claimed while holding a team to one three since Jan. 29, 2023 in a win over Miami (FL). Miami went on to reach the Elite Eight that season.
- Individually, the Deacs were led by redshirt junior forward Malaya Cowles, who recorded her second double-double of the year and fourth by a Demon Deacon this season as she finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds Friday afternoon.
- Additionally, Cowles also logged three blocks and three steals as she became the first Demon Deacon since Milan Quinn on Jan. 14, 2016 to finish a game with at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and three blocks.
Versus Virginia
Series: Virginia leads 71-11
Last: Feb. 11, 2024
Result: L – 87-79
- The Demon Deacons outscored the Cavaliers, 23-9, in the fourth quarter. It marked the second-consecutive season the Deacs overcame a double-digit deficit in the ACC tournament and came back to win. In March of 2023, Wake Forest came back from 18-points down against Florida State to win 65-54 and advance to the quarterfinals.
- This also marks the third consecutive year that Wake Forest has defeated Virginia in the opening round of the conference tournament.
- Offensively, Wake Forest was led by Elise Willaims, who recorded her sixth 20-point performance of the season and third in the last four games. She finished with 25 points and went an impressive 12-of-14 (85.7 percent) from the free throw line in addition to a team-high nine rebounds, two assists and two steals.
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons will return home for the first conference game at LJVM Coliseum in the New Year when the Deacs play host to Louisville on Sunday, Jan. 5.
Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. on ACC Network.
Women's Basketball Tickets
Single-Game Tickets Now On Sale
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.
Team Stats
UNCG
WF
FG%
.322
.360
3FG%
.056
.278
FT%
.786
.813
RB
36
31
TO
16
16
STL
9
8
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
11
FGM
3
3FGM
1
FTM
4
Pts
10
FGM
4
3FGM
0
FTM
2
Pts
8
FGM
3
3FGM
1
FTM
1
Pts
7
FGM
1
3FGM
0
FTM
5
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
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