Wake Forest Athletics
Sunday, February 9
Syracuse, NY
2 p.m.
Wake Forest University
at
Syracuse
Deacs Set for Super Sunday Road Battle at Syracuse
2/8/2025 10:35:00 AM | Women's Basketball
In the second-straight road game, the Wake Forest women’s basketball team is set to travel to Syracuse Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Looking to build off recent strong performances, the Wake Forest women's basketball team is set to travel to Syracuse Sunday night at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.
The Demon Deacons (8-14, 1-10 ACC) are looking for their second win in the last four games and first road win in the ACC this season. In the second-straight game against a nationally-ranked team, redshirt senior forward Demeara Hinds led the way for the Demon Deacons, recording her fourth career double-double performance and the second of the season. Hinds ended the night matching her career-high of 18 points while also having a career-high 13 rebounds in the defeat. She was efficient from the field with a 9-of-15 shooting performance. Only sophomore guard Rylie Theuerkauf has had more field goals in a game this season for the Deacs.
Wake Forest's success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank in the top 150 in the country and eighth in the ACC in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 62.8 points per game this season. The Demon Deacons also rank top 90 in the nation with 9.4 steals per game.
The Orange (9-13, 3-8 ACC) are looking to build off a win on Thursday as they defeated Boston College to grab its third win in the conference. So far this season, Syracuse has been one of the better teams in the country at sharing the basketball, ranking 40th nationally and fourth in the ACC with 16.5 assists per game. Orange guard Dominique Camp ranks fifth in the ACC with 2.39 assists per game while also ranking 30th nationally in the category. Syracuse also ranked fourth in the ACC and 30th nationally with 4.5 blocks per game and their 15.4 offensive rebounds per game is second in the conference and 16th nationally.
Tipoff for Sunday is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (ET) at the JMA Wireless Dome.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network Extra 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).
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.
Theuerkauf has 76 points over the last three games and now averages 11.0 on the season, the second-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 204 points so far this season.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Thursday night as she is 15th and is 30 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 53.0 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (44-of-83 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 308 of 517 made baskets this season (59.6 pct.). Additionally over the last 18 games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 268 of 437 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 Seminoles into nine turnovers, Wake Forest just missed forcing double-digit turnovers. The Deacs have forced 10 or more takeaways 62 times in the last 64 games, with the only other game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 64-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
Through 22 games this season, Wake Forest has totaled 206 steals including four on Sunday.
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 10 of the first 21 games of the 2024-25 season, including a season-high against No. 17 NC State at 100.0 percent (11-of-11) in the last home game.
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 61.3 percent (46-of-75 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 34-of-41 (82.9 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 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 127 threes in the first 22 games (5.8 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 31.1 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. No. 25 Florida State (Feb. 2)
Result: L – 97-68
Versus Syracuse
Series: Syracuse leads 9-3
Last: January 11, 2024
Result: L, 77-56
The Demon Deacons, after being away from home for the last two games, return to Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 13 as the Deacs take on in-state rival Duke.
Tipoff is scheduled for 6 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 (8-14, 1-10 ACC) are looking for their second win in the last four games and first road win in the ACC this season. In the second-straight game against a nationally-ranked team, redshirt senior forward Demeara Hinds led the way for the Demon Deacons, recording her fourth career double-double performance and the second of the season. Hinds ended the night matching her career-high of 18 points while also having a career-high 13 rebounds in the defeat. She was efficient from the field with a 9-of-15 shooting performance. Only sophomore guard Rylie Theuerkauf has had more field goals in a game this season for the Deacs.
Wake Forest's success this season has come on the backs of strong defensive play as the Deacs currently rank in the top 150 in the country and eighth in the ACC in scoring defense as teams are averaging just 62.8 points per game this season. The Demon Deacons also rank top 90 in the nation with 9.4 steals per game.
The Orange (9-13, 3-8 ACC) are looking to build off a win on Thursday as they defeated Boston College to grab its third win in the conference. So far this season, Syracuse has been one of the better teams in the country at sharing the basketball, ranking 40th nationally and fourth in the ACC with 16.5 assists per game. Orange guard Dominique Camp ranks fifth in the ACC with 2.39 assists per game while also ranking 30th nationally in the category. Syracuse also ranked fourth in the ACC and 30th nationally with 4.5 blocks per game and their 15.4 offensive rebounds per game is second in the conference and 16th nationally.
Tipoff for Sunday is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (ET) at the JMA Wireless Dome.
For those not at the arena, fans can tune in to ACC Network Extra 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).
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.
Theuerkauf has 76 points over the last three games and now averages 11.0 on the season, the second-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 204 points so far this season.
Williams will now look to move up the scoring list on Thursday night as she is 15th and is 30 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.) | 1,279 |
| 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 53.0 percent overall at LJVM Coliseum (44-of-83 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 308 of 517 made baskets this season (59.6 pct.). Additionally over the last 18 games, the Demon Deacons have assisted on 268 of 437 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 Threes |
| 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.) | 369 |
| 9. | Chelsea Douglas (2010-14) | 360 |
| 10. | Liz Strunk (2003-06) | 340 |
FORCING TURNOVERS
Forcing the Seminoles into nine turnovers, Wake Forest just missed forcing double-digit turnovers. The Deacs have forced 10 or more takeaways 62 times in the last 64 games, with the only other game coming against Syracuse on Jan. 11, 2024. The 64-game stretch goes back to January of 2022.
Through 22 games this season, Wake Forest has totaled 206 steals including four on Sunday.
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 10 of the first 21 games of the 2024-25 season, including a season-high against No. 17 NC State at 100.0 percent (11-of-11) in the last home game.
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 61.3 percent (46-of-75 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 34-of-41 (82.9 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 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 127 threes in the first 22 games (5.8 3FGM per game). Additionally, the Deacs came into the game, knocking down 31.1 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.) | 144 |
| T8. | Tonia Brown (2001-04) | 142 |
| T8. | Ariel Stephenson (2015-19) | 142 |
| 10. | Liz Strunk (2003-06) | 141 |
Wake Forest vs. No. 25 Florida State (Feb. 2)
Result: L – 97-68
- Demeara Hinds led the way for the Demon Deacons, recording her fourth career double-double performance and the second of the season. Hinds ended the night matching her career-high of 18 points while also having a career-high 13 rebounds in the defeat. She was efficient from the field with a 9-of-15 shooting performance. Only sophomore guard Rylie Theuerkauf has had more field goals in a game this season for the Deacs.
- Hinds had a strong opening half when she scored 10 points on 5-of-7 field goals while also leading the team with five rebounds as she was well on her way to a double-double.
- Joining Hinds in double figures were three other Demon Deacons as senior guard Elise Williams, senior guard Raegyn Conley and Theuerkauf all found their way to double digits in the second half.
- Conley shot an efficient 4-of-5 from the field with her lone miss coming from three while also grabbing five rebounds. For the second-straight game, she tied her career-high with four assists.
Versus Syracuse
Series: Syracuse leads 9-3
Last: January 11, 2024
Result: L, 77-56
- Last time in the loss to Syracuse, the Deacs were led offensively by a balanced three-point attack while also getting a team-high in scoring from Malaya Cowles.
- Offensively, the Deacs knocked down eight three-pointers on 21 attempts (38.1 percent), tied for the second-most in a game this season as well as the second-highest percentage from beyond the arc. Individually, junior guard Reagyn Conley and freshman guard Kate Deeble knocked down two apiece.
- Redshirt sophomore forward Malaya Cowles led the team with 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting in addition to five rebounds. It marked her seventh game of the season with 10-or-more points. Of note, Cowles holds a .657 shooting percentage (46-of-70) while inside LJVM Coliseum this season.
- In the backcourt, junior Elise Williams and graduate Kaia Harrison combined for 15 points and 10 assists, while freshman Makaela Quimby knocked down her first-career field goal with a triple late in the fourth quarter.
The Demon Deacons, after being away from home for the last two games, return to Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 13 as the Deacs take on in-state rival Duke.
Tipoff is scheduled for 6 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
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
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