Thursday, January 9
South Bend, Ind.
5 p.m.
Wake Forest University
at
Notre Dame
Deacs Set to Take on No. 3 Notre Dame
1/7/2025 11:47:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Demon Deacons will travel to Notre Dame, Ind. for a matchup with their first ranked opponent of the season in No. 3 Notre Dame with tipoff scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on ACC Network Extra.
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – In the first game against a ranked opponent this season, the Wake Forest women's basketball team is set to travel to No. 3 Notre Dame Thursday night at Purcell Pavillion.
The Demon Deacons (7-7, 0-3 ACC) are looking for their first win of the New Year and first win over a ranked opponent since the 2020-21 season. In the overtime loss to Louisville on Sunday, the Deacs were led by sophomore guard Rylie Theuerkauf, who finished the night with a career-high 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting including a career-best five threes made in the game.
Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank 50th in the country and third in the ACC in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 57.0 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 56th nationally entering Thursday. The Demon Deacons also rank top 100 in the nation with 9.8 steals per game.
The nationally-ranked Fighting Irish (12-2, 3-0 ACC) have been one of the best teams in the country so far this season as they currently rank No. 5 in the country in the latest NET rankings and are one of four remaining teams to be undefeated in ACC play. Notre Dame goes into Thursday ranked as the top team in the country in three-point field goal percentage, knocking down 44.3 percent of shots from behind the arc. Sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo ranks second in the nation averaging 25.9 points per game while senior guard Olivia Miles is fourth in the country with 7.1 assists per game.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. (ET) at Purcell Pavillion.
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 109 points so far this season.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Thursday afternoon as she is 22nd and is 20 points away from Corinne Groves (2005-09) for 21nst:
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 199 of 320 made baskets this season (62.2 pct.). Additionally over the last 11 games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 159 of 240 made baskets or 66 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 Cardinals into 21 turnovers, Wake Forest forced double-digit turnovers for the 55th time in the last 56 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024.
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 14 games of the 2024-25 season, including a season-high last ACC home game 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 62.0 percent (31-of-50 FT).
Elise Williams averaged a career-best 82.8 percent from the stripe (96-of-116). Additionally with the help of going 12-of-14 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 83 threes in the first 14 games (5.9 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 31.2 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. Louisville (Jan. 5)
Result: L – 71-76 (OT)
Versus Notre Dame
Series: Notre Dame leads 12-0
Last: Jan. 21, 2024
Result: L – 75-56
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons will be back on the road as Wake Forest travels north to play Virginia Tech on Sunday.
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 (7-7, 0-3 ACC) are looking for their first win of the New Year and first win over a ranked opponent since the 2020-21 season. In the overtime loss to Louisville on Sunday, the Deacs were led by sophomore guard Rylie Theuerkauf, who finished the night with a career-high 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting including a career-best five threes made in the game.
Wake Forest's early success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank 50th in the country and third in the ACC in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 57.0 points per game this season. Additionally, the Deacs field goal defense ranks 56th nationally entering Thursday. The Demon Deacons also rank top 100 in the nation with 9.8 steals per game.
The nationally-ranked Fighting Irish (12-2, 3-0 ACC) have been one of the best teams in the country so far this season as they currently rank No. 5 in the country in the latest NET rankings and are one of four remaining teams to be undefeated in ACC play. Notre Dame goes into Thursday ranked as the top team in the country in three-point field goal percentage, knocking down 44.3 percent of shots from behind the arc. Sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo ranks second in the nation averaging 25.9 points per game while senior guard Olivia Miles is fourth in the country with 7.1 assists per game.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. (ET) at Purcell Pavillion.
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 109 points so far this season.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Thursday afternoon as she is 22nd and is 20 points away from Corinne Groves (2005-09) for 21nst:
| 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. | Barbara Durham (1979-83) | 1,203 |
| 20. | Sandra Garcia (2009-13) | 1,201 |
| 21. | Corinne Groves (2005-09) | 1,194 |
| 22. | Elise Williams (2021-Pres.) | 1,174 |
| 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 199 of 320 made baskets this season (62.2 pct.). Additionally over the last 11 games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 159 of 240 made baskets or 66 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 Cardinals into 21 turnovers, Wake Forest forced double-digit turnovers for the 55th time in the last 56 games, with the lone game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024.
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 14 games of the 2024-25 season, including a season-high last ACC home game 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 62.0 percent (31-of-50 FT).
Elise Williams averaged a career-best 82.8 percent from the stripe (96-of-116). Additionally with the help of going 12-of-14 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) | .776 |
| 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 83 threes in the first 14 games (5.9 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 31.2 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. Louisville (Jan. 5)
Result: L – 71-76 (OT)
- The Demon Deacons were led by a career-high scoring performance from sophomore guard Rylie Theuerkauf who finished the night with 17 points. The Tenafly, N.J. native started the game a perfect 5-of-5 from the field including a perfect 4-for-4 from three.
- Theuerkauf ended the game shooting 6-of-9 from the field and hit a career-best five threes on eight attempts. This included the game-tying three with 11 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime.
- Wake Forest outshot the Cardinals from the field and three as the Deacs converted on a blistering 59 percent of its shots (27-of-46 FG) and 53 percent from behind the arc (10-of-19 3FG).
- Wake Forest assisted on 21 of its 27 made baskets (78 percent) against Louisville. 21 assists marks 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).
Versus Notre Dame
Series: Notre Dame leads 12-0
Last: Jan. 21, 2024
Result: L – 75-56
- Redshirt sophomore forward Malaya Cowles had another efficient showing, posting a team-high 13 points and making all but one of her field goal attempts (6-of-7). Wilkesboro, N.C. native has now scored 12 or more points in three of her last four appearances.
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons will be back on the road as Wake Forest travels north to play Virginia Tech on Sunday.
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
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
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