Thursday, February 20
Winston-Salem, N.C.
6 p.m.
Wake Forest University
vs
SMU
Deacs Set to Host SMU for Annual Play4Kay Pink Game
2/18/2025 6:34:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Returning home for the annual pink game, the Wake Forest women’s basketball team is set to host SMU Thursday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Returning home for the annual pink game, the Wake Forest women's basketball team is set to host SMU Thursday night at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Demon Deacons (8-17, 1-13 ACC) are looking for their second win of the conference campaign and second home win in conference play. For the 16th time this season and eighth-consecutive game, sophomore guard Rylie Theuerkauf reached double figures with 20 points against the nationally-ranked Yellowjackets on Sunday. She has 120 points over the last seven games (17.1) and now averages 11.3 on the season, which leads the team.
Wake Forest's success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank in the top 200 in the country and seventh in the ACC in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 65.2 points per game this season. The Demon Deacons also rank top 90 in the nation with 9.1 steals per game.
The Mustangs (10-16, 2-12 ACC) have dropped their last 10 games and own the longest losing streak in the conference with its last win coming in overtime against Syracuse on Jan. 9. SMU has been one of the better rebounding teams in the country this season, pulling down better than 40 rebounds per game which ranks 21st nationally and third in the conference. The Mustangs also lead the conference and rank 15th nationally in offensive rebounding. Senior center Jessica Peterson ranks third nationally and leads the conference with 12.3 rebounds per game. The SMU offense runs through junior guard Nya Robertson who averages 19.0 points per game which is third in the ACC. She also ranks second nationally in field goal attempts and ninth nationally in three-point attempts.
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).
RYLIE RAISES HER GAME
For three consecutive games between North Carolina and NC State, Rylie Theuerkauf set a new career-highs in scoring including finishing with 25 points against No. 17 NC State Wolfpack.
25 points is the most in a game by a Demon Deacon since Williams had 31 at Georgia Tech last season on Feb. 25, 2024. It marked her 12th game of the season with double-digit, fifth with at least 15 and second-consecutive with at least 20.
She tied her previous career high (21) with seven minutes remaining in the first half. She opened the game 8-of-8 from the floor and 3-of-3 from deep.
Most recently, Theuerkauf reached double figures with 20 points against the nationally-ranked Yellowjackets on Sunday on 9-of-16 shooting including a pair of threes.
Theuerkauf has 120 points over the last six games (17.1 PPG) and now averages 11.1 on the season, the most on the team.
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 215 points so far this season.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Thursday night as she is 15th and is 19 points away from Lakevia Boykin (2009-13) in 14th place:
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 52.3 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (46-of-88 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).
In addition to shooting a great percentage at home this season, Cowles shooting percentage is at a historic rate for the season as a whole, ranking in the top 10 in program history as she is making 57.5 percent of her shots over the course of the season:
Additionally, Cowles career shooting percentage of 55.7 percent is on pace to have her rank third in program history by the end of her career.
ASSISTS ON MADE BASKETS
The Deacs have done an excellent job of moving the ball so far this season, as they have assisted on 347 of 581 made baskets this season (59.7 pct.). Additionally over the last 21 games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 307 of 501 made baskets or 61 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).
Senior guard Elise Williams entered the top 10 in career assists earlier this season and currently is in eighth in program history:
FORCING TURNOVERS
Forcing the Yellowjackets into just eight turnovers, it marked just the third time since January of 2022 that the Deacs have forced less than 10 turnovers. The Deacs have forced 10 or more takeaways 64 times in the last 67 games. The 66-game stretch goes back to January of 2022. This marked the fifth-most turnovers by the Blue Devils in a game this season and most since Jan. 9 against North Carolina. Through 24 games this season, Wake Forest has totaled 222 steals including eight on Thursday.
The 28 turnovers forced against Cal was the most forced in a single-game this season for the Deacs. Additionally, it was the second-highest turnover game of the season for the nationally-ranked Bears. The only game where they had more turnovers came on Thursday at No. 14 Duke when Cal turned it over 31 times. This marked the sixth time this season that Wake Forest forced 20-or-more turnovers.
The Deacs forced 21 turnovers against Louisville. 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 13 of the first 25 games of the 2024-25 season, including a season-high against No. 17 NC State at 100.0 percent (11-of-11).
The Demon Deacons went 3-of-4 (75.0 percent) from the charity stripe Sunday afternoon.
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 over 25 percent better at the line, knocking down 63.0 percent (51-of-81 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 37-of-45 (82.2 pct.) 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 have a resurgent season at the line last season but one of the best in program history. This year has been no different with the Deacs having the seventh-best free throw percentage in program history :
SHARPSHOOTERS
The Deacs have gotten off to a quick start from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season, knocking down 139 threes in the first 25 games (5.6 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 30.3 percent of their threes.
Overall, the 2023-24 Wake Forest team knocked down 204 threes last season ranked fourth in program history:
Against Stanford, senior guard Elise Williams entered the top 10 in program history in threes made and goes into Sunday seventh in program history:
LAST TIME
Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech (Feb. 16)
Result: L – 73-62
Versus SMU
Series: Wake Forest leads 3-1
Last: December 21, 2011
Result: W, 65-53
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons make their final flight of the season Sunday when they travel to Miami at Lawrence Watsco Center.
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 (8-17, 1-13 ACC) are looking for their second win of the conference campaign and second home win in conference play. For the 16th time this season and eighth-consecutive game, sophomore guard Rylie Theuerkauf reached double figures with 20 points against the nationally-ranked Yellowjackets on Sunday. She has 120 points over the last seven games (17.1) and now averages 11.3 on the season, which leads the team.
Wake Forest's success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank in the top 200 in the country and seventh in the ACC in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 65.2 points per game this season. The Demon Deacons also rank top 90 in the nation with 9.1 steals per game.
The Mustangs (10-16, 2-12 ACC) have dropped their last 10 games and own the longest losing streak in the conference with its last win coming in overtime against Syracuse on Jan. 9. SMU has been one of the better rebounding teams in the country this season, pulling down better than 40 rebounds per game which ranks 21st nationally and third in the conference. The Mustangs also lead the conference and rank 15th nationally in offensive rebounding. Senior center Jessica Peterson ranks third nationally and leads the conference with 12.3 rebounds per game. The SMU offense runs through junior guard Nya Robertson who averages 19.0 points per game which is third in the ACC. She also ranks second nationally in field goal attempts and ninth nationally in three-point attempts.
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).
RYLIE RAISES HER GAME
For three consecutive games between North Carolina and NC State, Rylie Theuerkauf set a new career-highs in scoring including finishing with 25 points against No. 17 NC State Wolfpack.
25 points is the most in a game by a Demon Deacon since Williams had 31 at Georgia Tech last season on Feb. 25, 2024. It marked her 12th game of the season with double-digit, fifth with at least 15 and second-consecutive with at least 20.
She tied her previous career high (21) with seven minutes remaining in the first half. She opened the game 8-of-8 from the floor and 3-of-3 from deep.
Most recently, Theuerkauf reached double figures with 20 points against the nationally-ranked Yellowjackets on Sunday on 9-of-16 shooting including a pair of threes.
Theuerkauf has 120 points over the last six games (17.1 PPG) and now averages 11.1 on the season, the most on the team.
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 215 points so far this season.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Thursday night as she is 15th and is 19 points away from Lakevia Boykin (2009-13) in 14th place:
| Rank | Player | Career Points |
| 7. | Cotelia Bond-Young (2002-06) | 1,507 |
| 8. | Amber Campbell (2014-18) | 1,489 |
| 9. | Ivana Raca (2017-21) | 1,482 |
| 10. | Jewel Spear (2020-23) | 1,385 |
| 11. | Liz Strunk (2002-06) | 1,352 |
| 12. | Lisa Stockton (1982-86) | 1,347 |
| 13. | Jane Jackson (1977-80) | 1,342 |
| 14. | Lakevia Boykin (2009-13) | 1,309 |
| 15. | Elise Williams (2021-Pres.) | 1,290 |
| 16. | Elisa Penna (2015-19) | 1,269 |
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 52.3 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (46-of-88 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).
In addition to shooting a great percentage at home this season, Cowles shooting percentage is at a historic rate for the season as a whole, ranking in the top 10 in program history as she is making 57.5 percent of her shots over the course of the season:
| Rank | Player | Season FG Pct. |
| 1. | Lisa Dodd (1987-88) | .647 |
| 2. | Ona Udoh (2020-21) | .623 |
| 3. | Jenny Mitchell (1988-89) | .616 |
| 4. | Jenny Mitchell (1990-91) | .610 |
| 5. | Jenny Mitchell (1989-90) | .606 |
| 6. | Ona Udoh (2018-19) | .587 |
| 7. | Malaya Cowles (2024-25) | .575 |
| 8. | Jenny Mitchell (1987-88) | .572 |
| 9. | Lisa Dodd (1986-87) | .567 |
| 10. | Alice Neal (1986-87) | .563 |
Additionally, Cowles career shooting percentage of 55.7 percent is on pace to have her rank third in program history by the end of her career.
ASSISTS ON MADE BASKETS
The Deacs have done an excellent job of moving the ball so far this season, as they have assisted on 347 of 581 made baskets this season (59.7 pct.). Additionally over the last 21 games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 307 of 501 made baskets or 61 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).
Senior guard Elise Williams entered the top 10 in career assists earlier this season and currently is in eighth in program history:
| Rank | Player | Career Assists |
| 1. | Brooke Thomas (2008-12) | 513 |
| 2. | Gina Conti (2017-21) | 494 |
| 3. | Nicole Levesque (1991-94) | 488 |
| 4. | Cotelia Bond-Young (2003-06) | 462 |
| 5. | Gretchen Hollifield (1993-96) | 453 |
| 6. | Amy Privette (1984-87) | 424 |
| 7. | Cathy Wille (1987-90) | 396 |
| 8. | Elise Williams (2021-Pres.) | 373 |
| 9. | Chelsea Douglas (2010-14) | 360 |
| 10. | Liz Strunk (2003-06) | 340 |
FORCING TURNOVERS
Forcing the Yellowjackets into just eight turnovers, it marked just the third time since January of 2022 that the Deacs have forced less than 10 turnovers. The Deacs have forced 10 or more takeaways 64 times in the last 67 games. The 66-game stretch goes back to January of 2022. This marked the fifth-most turnovers by the Blue Devils in a game this season and most since Jan. 9 against North Carolina. Through 24 games this season, Wake Forest has totaled 222 steals including eight on Thursday.
The 28 turnovers forced against Cal was the most forced in a single-game this season for the Deacs. Additionally, it was the second-highest turnover game of the season for the nationally-ranked Bears. The only game where they had more turnovers came on Thursday at No. 14 Duke when Cal turned it over 31 times. This marked the sixth time this season that Wake Forest forced 20-or-more turnovers.
The Deacs forced 21 turnovers against Louisville. 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 13 of the first 25 games of the 2024-25 season, including a season-high against No. 17 NC State at 100.0 percent (11-of-11).
The Demon Deacons went 3-of-4 (75.0 percent) from the charity stripe Sunday afternoon.
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 over 25 percent better at the line, knocking down 63.0 percent (51-of-81 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 37-of-45 (82.2 pct.) 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) | .779 |
| 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 have a resurgent season at the line last season but one of the best in program history. This year has been no different with the Deacs having the seventh-best free throw percentage 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. | .703 (239-of-340) | 2024-25 |
| 8. | .694 (279-of-546) | 2021-22 |
| 9. | .693 (392-of-566) | 1985-86 |
| 10. | .691 (449-of-650) | 1990-91 |
SHARPSHOOTERS
The Deacs have gotten off to a quick start from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season, knocking down 139 threes in the first 25 games (5.6 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 30.3 percent of their threes.
Overall, the 2023-24 Wake Forest team knocked down 204 threes last season ranked 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 |
| Rank | Player | Career Threes |
| 1. | Cotelia Bond Young (2003-06) | 267 |
| 2. | Chelsea Douglas (2010-14) | 257 |
| 3. | Jewel Spear (2020-23) | 241 |
| 4. | Nicole Levesque (1991-94) | 193 |
| 5. | Heidi Coleman (1995-99) | 191 |
| 6. | Lakevia Boykin (2009-13) | 167 |
| 7. | Elise Williams (2021-Pres.) | 146 |
| T8. | Tonia Brown (2001-04) | 142 |
| T8. | Ariel Stephenson (2015-19) | 142 |
| 10. | Liz Strunk (2003-06) | 141 |
Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech (Feb. 16)
Result: L – 73-62
- The Demon Deacons who were down 15 points early in the second quarter, outscored the Yellow Jackets by a margin of 35-26 in the middle quarters and took the lead for the first time in the fourth.
- For the eighth-consecutive game, sophomore guard Rylie Theuerkauf reached double figures with 20 points against the Yellow Jackets on 9-of-16 shooting and a pair of threes. She has three 20-point outings in the last six games and this marked her 16th game of the season with double-digit points.
- Theuerkauf has 120 points over the last seven games (17.1 points per game) and now averages a team-best 11.4 on the season.
Versus SMU
Series: Wake Forest leads 3-1
Last: December 21, 2011
Result: W, 65-53
- The Demon Deacons and Mustangs have matched up four times as this marks the second time that the two schools will meet in Winston-Salem. The Deacs won the only other home meeting against SMU on Jan. 2, 2011, defeating the Mustangs 66-49.
UP NEXT
The Demon Deacons make their final flight of the season Sunday when they travel to Miami at Lawrence Watsco Center.
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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