Thursday, January 16
Winston-Salem, N.C.
6 p.m.
Wake Forest University
vs
Stanford
Deacs Return Home to Face Stanford
1/14/2025 10:22:00 PM | Women's Basketball
For the first time in program history, the Demon Deacons will square off against Stanford as the Deacs play host to the Cardinal in their first season in the ACC. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – In the first game back at home in over a week, the Wake Forest women's basketball team is set to host Stanford for the first ever matchup between the two programs Thursday night at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Demon Deacons (7-9, 0-5 ACC) are looking for their first win of the New Year. In the loss to Virginia Tech on Sunday, the Deacs erased a 12-point third quarter deficit to come back and take the lead going into the fourth. The Deacs were led by a team-high 15 points from senior guard Elise Williams who scored 11 of those points in the third quarter comeback effort.
Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank in the top 100 in the country and third in the ACC in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 59.9 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 118th nationally entering Thursday. The Demon Deacons also rank top 100 in the nation with 9.5 steals per game.
The Cardinal (9-7, 1-4 ACC) are coming off their first home loss of the season against nationally-ranked NC State on Sunday, 81-67. Stanford has yet to win away from home this season as they hold a 9-1 record at Maples Pavillion and an 0-6 record in true road or neutral games. The Cardinal have been one of the best teams in the country at shooting from behind the arc so far this season, ranking fifth nationally as they are hitting at a 38.5 percent clip as a team. Senior forward Brooke Demetre leads the potent three-point attack as she ranks 21st nationally and third in the ACC with a 43.8 three-point percentage.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
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 142 points so far this season.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Thursday night as she is 19th and is seven points points away from moving into 17th and pacing Wake Forest great Alice Neal (1985-89) and Alex Tchangoue (2005-09):
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 (40-of-68 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 225 of 367 made baskets this season (61.3 pct.). Additionally over the last 13 games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 185 of 287 made baskets or 64 percent.
Wake Forest assisted on 21 of its 27 made baskets (78 percent) against Louisville. This marked the most assists for Wake Forest since they recorded 24 against Saint Louis on Nov. 20, 2023.
Additionally, the 21 assists marked the most this season by the Deacs and most against an ACC opponent since Jan. 19, 2017 in an 80-77 victory over North Carolina. It was the third time this season Wake Forest logged at least 20 assists, with the first two coming against Winthrop and Gardner-Webb (both 20).
Last season, the Deacs assisted 404 of 694 made field goals (58.2 percent).
FORCING TURNOVERS
Forcing the Hokies into 19 turnovers Sunday, Wake Forest forced double-digit turnovers for the 57th time in the last 58 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. It led to 15 points off turnovers on the other end of the floor.
The Deacs forced 21 turnovers against Louisville a week prior. This marked the fifth time this season that Wake Forest forced 20-or-more turnovers and the second-consecutive game doing so. The 56-game stretch goes back to January of 2022. 21 turnovers ties the most in a game this season for Louisville, with the other instance coming against UT Martin on Nov. 12. Wake Forest added 26 points off turnovers against the Cardinals.
Against Virginia, Wake Forest forced 20 turnovers, marking the fourth time this season the Deacs have had 20 or more turnovers forced. 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 five games with 20-plus turnovers forced is now more the total number of games last season when the Deacs finished with four such games.
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 16 games of the 2024-25 season, including a season-high 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 25 percent better at the line, knocking down 59.3 percent (35-of-59 FT).
Elise Williams averaged a career-best 82.8 percent from the stripe (96-of-116) in 2023-24. Additionally, she is now ranks seventh in program history in career free throw percentage with the help of going 22-of-25 from the line this season:
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 91 threes in the first 16 games (5.7 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 30.4 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 vs. Virginia Tech (Jan. 12)
Result: L – 54-61
Versus Stanford
Series: First meeting
Last: N/A
Result: N/A
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons close out the weekend at LJVM Coliseum as Wake Forest plays host to nationally-ranked Cal on Sunday afternoon.
Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
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 (7-9, 0-5 ACC) are looking for their first win of the New Year. In the loss to Virginia Tech on Sunday, the Deacs erased a 12-point third quarter deficit to come back and take the lead going into the fourth. The Deacs were led by a team-high 15 points from senior guard Elise Williams who scored 11 of those points in the third quarter comeback effort.
Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank in the top 100 in the country and third in the ACC in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 59.9 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 118th nationally entering Thursday. The Demon Deacons also rank top 100 in the nation with 9.5 steals per game.
The Cardinal (9-7, 1-4 ACC) are coming off their first home loss of the season against nationally-ranked NC State on Sunday, 81-67. Stanford has yet to win away from home this season as they hold a 9-1 record at Maples Pavillion and an 0-6 record in true road or neutral games. The Cardinal have been one of the best teams in the country at shooting from behind the arc so far this season, ranking fifth nationally as they are hitting at a 38.5 percent clip as a team. Senior forward Brooke Demetre leads the potent three-point attack as she ranks 21st nationally and third in the ACC with a 43.8 three-point percentage.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum.
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 142 points so far this season.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Thursday night as she is 19th and is seven points points away from moving into 17th and pacing Wake Forest great Alice Neal (1985-89) and Alex Tchangoue (2005-09):
| Rank | Player | Career Points |
| 14. | Lakevia Boykin (2009-13) | 1,309 |
| 15. | Elisa Penna (2015-19) | 1,269 |
| 16. | Brittany Waters (2007-11) | 1,267 |
| 17. | Alice Neal (1985-89) | 1,214 |
| 18. | Alex Tchangoue (2005-09) | 1,212 |
| 19. | Elise Williams (2021-Pres.) | 1,207 |
| 20. | Barbara Durham (1979-83) | 1,203 |
| 21. | Sandra Garcia (2009-13) | 1,201 |
| 22. | Corinne Groves (2005-09) | 1,194 |
| 23. | Beth Davis (1988-91) | 1,172 |
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 (40-of-68 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 225 of 367 made baskets this season (61.3 pct.). Additionally over the last 13 games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 185 of 287 made baskets or 64 percent.
Wake Forest assisted on 21 of its 27 made baskets (78 percent) against Louisville. This marked the most assists for Wake Forest since they recorded 24 against Saint Louis on Nov. 20, 2023.
Additionally, the 21 assists marked the most this season by the Deacs and most against an ACC opponent since Jan. 19, 2017 in an 80-77 victory over North Carolina. It was the third time this season Wake Forest logged at least 20 assists, with the first two coming against Winthrop and Gardner-Webb (both 20).
Last season, the Deacs assisted 404 of 694 made field goals (58.2 percent).
FORCING TURNOVERS
Forcing the Hokies into 19 turnovers Sunday, Wake Forest forced double-digit turnovers for the 57th time in the last 58 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. It led to 15 points off turnovers on the other end of the floor.
The Deacs forced 21 turnovers against Louisville a week prior. This marked the fifth time this season that Wake Forest forced 20-or-more turnovers and the second-consecutive game doing so. The 56-game stretch goes back to January of 2022. 21 turnovers ties the most in a game this season for Louisville, with the other instance coming against UT Martin on Nov. 12. Wake Forest added 26 points off turnovers against the Cardinals.
Against Virginia, Wake Forest forced 20 turnovers, marking the fourth time this season the Deacs have had 20 or more turnovers forced. 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 five games with 20-plus turnovers forced is now more the total number of games last season when the Deacs finished with four such games.
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 16 games of the 2024-25 season, including a season-high 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 25 percent better at the line, knocking down 59.3 percent (35-of-59 FT).
Elise Williams averaged a career-best 82.8 percent from the stripe (96-of-116) in 2023-24. Additionally, she is now ranks seventh in program history in career free throw percentage with the help of going 22-of-25 from the line this season:
| 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. | Elise Williams (2021-Present) | .781 |
| 8. | Porsche' Jones (2004-06) | .778 |
| 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 91 threes in the first 16 games (5.7 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 30.4 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 vs. Virginia Tech (Jan. 12)
Result: L – 54-61
- With 8:49 left in the third quarter, the Demon Deacons trailed by 12 points to the Hokies, the largest deficit of the game. Wake Forest responded with a 15-1 run to take its first lead since the 8:54 mark of the first quarter.
- Led by 11 third quarter points from senior guard Elise Williams, the Deacs took a 46-45 lead into the fourth quarter, but were unable to claim the victory.
- Williams ended the night with a team-high 15 points including going 3-of-4 from the free throw line. With her scoring effort on Sunday, the Raleigh, N.C. native moved up three spots on the all-time scoring list and now ranks 19th all-time with 1,207 career points. She needs just 62 more points to move into the top 15 in program history.
- Joining her in double figures were redshirt junior Malaya Cowles who had 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting while senior guard Raegyn Conley posted 10 points while knocking down two of the team's three triples.
Versus Stanford
Series: First meeting
Last: N/A
Result: N/A
- This marks the first ever matchup between the two schools. Wake Forest holds a 6-2 record all-time against teams for the state of California. This is just the second known home game against a California team with the only other coming against Cal on Dec. 28, 1999.
- The last time Wake Forest played against a team from California came on Nov. 29, 2013 when the Demon Deacons lost to No. 20 California at the John Ascuaga's Nugget Classic in Reno, Nev.
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons close out the weekend at LJVM Coliseum as Wake Forest plays host to nationally-ranked Cal on Sunday afternoon.
Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
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.
Players Mentioned
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's BasketballFootball Media Availability (10/16/25)
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