Wake Forest Athletics
Thursday, February 19
Winston-Salem, N.C.
6 p.m.
Wake Forest University
vs
Notre Dame
Deacs Scheduled to Host Notre Dame Thursday
2/18/2026 11:01:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The Demon Deacons will be in search of their fourth ACC win of the season, their highest NET win of the season Thursday night against Notre Dame with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team will be in search of history as it is scheduled to host Notre Dame Thursday with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (ET) at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Demon Deacons (13-13, 3-11 ACC) are off to their best start in the Megan Gebbia era and are looking to earn their fourth conference win of the season, the highest NET win so far this season and their first win over Notre Dame in program history. In the first 26 games, they have been propelled by 16.8 assists per game which ranks 38th in the country and fourth in the ACC. The Deacs have seen the emergence of sophomore forward Grace Oliver this season as she is averaging a team-high 13.7 points per game and also ranking 11th nationally with 59.6 percent shooting from the floor which ranks first in the ACC. Going into Thursday, the Deacs ranked nationally and sixth in the ACC, holding opponents to just 38.4 shooting from the field and also ranking 42nd nationally in field goal percentage offense which is fourth in the ACC while also ranking 81st with 26.8 defensive rebounds per game.
The Fighting Irish (16-9, 8-6 ACC) go into Thursday's game ninth in the ACC standings, earning the last first round bye spot in the upcoming ACC Tournament. The Irish have been two different teams this season, holding a 31-2 record in home games while just having a 3-6 record on the road including having just a 1-4 record in the last five road games they have played. Notre Dame is led by All-American guard Hannah Hidalgo who is third in the country and leads the ACC with 24.6 points per game. She also leads the league in field goal attempts, field goals made, free throw attempts, free throws made, steals per game and triple-doubles recorded. As a team, the Fighting Irish have one of the top offenses in the country, ranking 23rd nationally and second in the ACC with 79.1 points per game while also ranking 20th nationally and leading the ACC with a 46.6 field goal percentage. On the road this season, Notre Dame is averaging 6.3 less points per game with just 72.8 points.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (ET) at KFC Yum! Center.
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).
Assists On Made Baskets
Wake Forest finished with 15 assists on 27 made baskets for the contest (55.6 percent). In 26 games this season, the Demon Deacons have totaled 436 assists on 654 field goals (66.7 percent) which would mark the highest percentage in a single season within the Megan Gebbia era.
The Demon Deacons are averaging 16.8 assists per game, fourth in the ACC behind Virginia's 18.7 and Duke's 17.7 assists. Additionally, the Deacs are on pace to have the fourth-most assists in program history and the 16.8 assists per game currently ranks fourth in program history:
The Deacs did an excellent job of moving the ball last season, as they assisted on 394 of 667 made baskets this season (59.1 pct.). This was the highest assist percentage in the Gebbia era and the assist percentage ranks in the top 70 percent in the nation according to HerHoopStats.
In 2023-24, the Deacs assisted 404 of 694 made field goals (58.2 percent).
Forcing Them Over
The Demon Deacons forced the Cardinals into 11 turnovers, converting 11 points off of those takeaways. Wake Forest has forced 10 or more takeaways 92 times in the last 95 games, a stretch dating back to January of 2022.
Through 26 games, the Demon Deacons have forced 14.2 turnovers per game.
Owning the Paint
The Demon Deacons had another excellent game in the paint, with 36 points posted inside, while allowing Louisville to score 30, a six-point deficit.
Across 26 games, the Deacs have totaled 828 points in the paint (31.8 per game).
Sharpshooting Deacs
Against the Cards, Wake Forest had another fantastic performance from three, going 8-for-18. So far this season, the Demon Deacons have knocked down 168 threes (6.5 3FG per game).
Over the last 13 games, the Demon Deacons have five double-digit three-point performances coming against Gardner-Webb, Pitt, NC State, Clemson and Virginia. During that stretch, Wake Forest is averaging 7.2 threes made per game and the 94 threes made have accounted for 44.0 percent of the threes made for the entire season. Additionally, the Deacs are shooting at a high clip during that 13-game stretch, knocking down 94-of-226 3FG (41.6 pct.).
The Deacs finished the 2024-25 season knocking down 159 threes (5.5 3FGM per game). This included seven games with eight or more threes made.
Through the first three seasons under head coach Megan Gebbia, the Demon Deacons hit 590 threes in 95 games under her direction (6.2 3FGM per game).
This includes her first two seasons, which both rank in the top five in program history and this season ranks ninth in program history:
Grace is Historically Efficient
So far this season, sophomore forward Grace Oliver has been one of the most efficient players in the country, leading the ACC in field goal percentage and ranking 11th nationally, shooting 59.6 percent from the field:
Additionally, she has had one of the best seasons in program history as her 59.6 percent ranks sixth in Wake Forest history.
In a win over Gardner-Webb in December, Oliver finished the night going a perfect 14-for-14 from the floor, setting the ACC and Wake Forest record for field goal attempts without a miss. The previous ACC record was 12-of -12 from the floor by four players and was last done by Kalista Walters (Pittsburgh) against Chicago State on Dec. 31, 2017.
Additionally, this is just the ninth known occurrence in NCAA history of a player making 14 or more shots without a miss and first since Tinara Moore (CMU) on Jan. 9, 2016.
Since the turn of the century, only four players in Division-I have had 14 or more field goal attempts without a miss:
Additionally, she recorded a new career-high with 30 points, breaking her previous high of 21 points against Mercer on Nov. 13. It also marks the first 30-plus point game by a Wake Forest forward since Dearica Hamby tallied 32 points against Georgia Tech on Feb. 28, 2015.
LAST TIME
Wake Forest vs. Louisville (February 12)
Result: L – 86-67
Versus Notre Dame
Series: Notre Dame leads 13-0
Last: Jan. 9, 2025
Result: L, 64-100
The Demon Deacons are back on the road Sunday ams the Deacs make their last flight of the regular season, traveling to Boston College
Tipoff is scheduled for Noon ET on ACC Network Extra.
Women's Basketball Tickets
Single-Game Tickets
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.
The Demon Deacons (13-13, 3-11 ACC) are off to their best start in the Megan Gebbia era and are looking to earn their fourth conference win of the season, the highest NET win so far this season and their first win over Notre Dame in program history. In the first 26 games, they have been propelled by 16.8 assists per game which ranks 38th in the country and fourth in the ACC. The Deacs have seen the emergence of sophomore forward Grace Oliver this season as she is averaging a team-high 13.7 points per game and also ranking 11th nationally with 59.6 percent shooting from the floor which ranks first in the ACC. Going into Thursday, the Deacs ranked nationally and sixth in the ACC, holding opponents to just 38.4 shooting from the field and also ranking 42nd nationally in field goal percentage offense which is fourth in the ACC while also ranking 81st with 26.8 defensive rebounds per game.
The Fighting Irish (16-9, 8-6 ACC) go into Thursday's game ninth in the ACC standings, earning the last first round bye spot in the upcoming ACC Tournament. The Irish have been two different teams this season, holding a 31-2 record in home games while just having a 3-6 record on the road including having just a 1-4 record in the last five road games they have played. Notre Dame is led by All-American guard Hannah Hidalgo who is third in the country and leads the ACC with 24.6 points per game. She also leads the league in field goal attempts, field goals made, free throw attempts, free throws made, steals per game and triple-doubles recorded. As a team, the Fighting Irish have one of the top offenses in the country, ranking 23rd nationally and second in the ACC with 79.1 points per game while also ranking 20th nationally and leading the ACC with a 46.6 field goal percentage. On the road this season, Notre Dame is averaging 6.3 less points per game with just 72.8 points.
Tipoff for Thursday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (ET) at KFC Yum! Center.
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).
Assists On Made Baskets
Wake Forest finished with 15 assists on 27 made baskets for the contest (55.6 percent). In 26 games this season, the Demon Deacons have totaled 436 assists on 654 field goals (66.7 percent) which would mark the highest percentage in a single season within the Megan Gebbia era.
The Demon Deacons are averaging 16.8 assists per game, fourth in the ACC behind Virginia's 18.7 and Duke's 17.7 assists. Additionally, the Deacs are on pace to have the fourth-most assists in program history and the 16.8 assists per game currently ranks fourth in program history:
| Season | Total Assists | Total Games | Assists/G |
| 1987-88 | 563 | 31 | 18.2 |
| 1988-89 | 484 | 28 | 17.3 |
| 1986-87 | 466 | 27 | 17.3 |
| 2025-26 | 436 | 26 | 16.8 |
| 1989-90 | 469 | 28 | 16.8 |
The Deacs did an excellent job of moving the ball last season, as they assisted on 394 of 667 made baskets this season (59.1 pct.). This was the highest assist percentage in the Gebbia era and the assist percentage ranks in the top 70 percent in the nation according to HerHoopStats.
In 2023-24, the Deacs assisted 404 of 694 made field goals (58.2 percent).
Forcing Them Over
The Demon Deacons forced the Cardinals into 11 turnovers, converting 11 points off of those takeaways. Wake Forest has forced 10 or more takeaways 92 times in the last 95 games, a stretch dating back to January of 2022.
Through 26 games, the Demon Deacons have forced 14.2 turnovers per game.
Owning the Paint
The Demon Deacons had another excellent game in the paint, with 36 points posted inside, while allowing Louisville to score 30, a six-point deficit.
Across 26 games, the Deacs have totaled 828 points in the paint (31.8 per game).
Sharpshooting Deacs
Against the Cards, Wake Forest had another fantastic performance from three, going 8-for-18. So far this season, the Demon Deacons have knocked down 168 threes (6.5 3FG per game).
Over the last 13 games, the Demon Deacons have five double-digit three-point performances coming against Gardner-Webb, Pitt, NC State, Clemson and Virginia. During that stretch, Wake Forest is averaging 7.2 threes made per game and the 94 threes made have accounted for 44.0 percent of the threes made for the entire season. Additionally, the Deacs are shooting at a high clip during that 13-game stretch, knocking down 94-of-226 3FG (41.6 pct.).
The Deacs finished the 2024-25 season knocking down 159 threes (5.5 3FGM per game). This included seven games with eight or more threes made.
Through the first three seasons under head coach Megan Gebbia, the Demon Deacons hit 590 threes in 95 games under her direction (6.2 3FGM per game).
This includes her first two seasons, which both rank in the top five in program history and this season ranks ninth 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 |
| 6. | 179 | 2008-09 |
| T7. | 172 | 2009-10 |
| T7. | 172 | 1998-99 |
| 9. | 168 | 2025-26 |
| T10. | 167 | 2012-13 |
| T10. | 167 | 2010-11 |
Grace is Historically Efficient
So far this season, sophomore forward Grace Oliver has been one of the most efficient players in the country, leading the ACC in field goal percentage and ranking 11th nationally, shooting 59.6 percent from the field:
| Rank | Field Goal Percentage |
| 1. Grace Oliver (Wake Forest) | 59.6 pct. |
| 2. Sakima Walker (Cal) | 57.1 pct. |
| 3. Ra Shayna Kyle (Miami) | 55.3 pct. |
| 4. Uche Izoje (Syracuse) | 54.4 pct. |
| 5. Toby Fournier (Duke) | 54.2 pct. |
Additionally, she has had one of the best seasons in program history as her 59.6 percent ranks sixth in Wake Forest history.
In a win over Gardner-Webb in December, Oliver finished the night going a perfect 14-for-14 from the floor, setting the ACC and Wake Forest record for field goal attempts without a miss. The previous ACC record was 12-of -12 from the floor by four players and was last done by Kalista Walters (Pittsburgh) against Chicago State on Dec. 31, 2017.
Additionally, this is just the ninth known occurrence in NCAA history of a player making 14 or more shots without a miss and first since Tinara Moore (CMU) on Jan. 9, 2016.
Since the turn of the century, only four players in Division-I have had 14 or more field goal attempts without a miss:
| Player (School) | Date | Opponent | Field Goals | Points |
| Grace Oliver (Wake Forest) | Dec. 22, 2025 | Gardner-Webb | 14-of-14 | 30 |
| Tinara Moore (CMU) | Jan. 9, 2016 | Akron | 16-of-16 | 35 |
| Dyana Pierre (SIU) | Dec. 16, 2014 | Murray State | 14-of-14 | 31 |
| Gwen Jackson (Tennessee) | Nov. 29, 2002 | PR-May | 14-of-14 | 28 |
Additionally, she recorded a new career-high with 30 points, breaking her previous high of 21 points against Mercer on Nov. 13. It also marks the first 30-plus point game by a Wake Forest forward since Dearica Hamby tallied 32 points against Georgia Tech on Feb. 28, 2015.
LAST TIME
Wake Forest vs. Louisville (February 12)
Result: L – 86-67
- In her second game back since returning to action, sophomore forward Grace Oliver led the way for the Deacs, finishing the night with 20 points on 8-of-11 from the field. It marked the most points for the Norwell, Mass. native since her career-high 30-point performance against Gardner-Webb that helped her earn ACC Player of the Week honors.
- So far this season, Oliver has been one of the most efficient players in the country, leading the ACC and ranking in the top 15 nationally in field goal percentage. Going into the game at nationally-ranked Louisville, Oliver was shooting 58.9 percent from the field.
- Oliver nearly completed her second double-double of the season, finishing with a game-high nine rebounds.
Versus Notre Dame
Series: Notre Dame leads 13-0
Last: Jan. 9, 2025
Result: L, 64-100
- Last season, forward Malaya Cowles led the Demon Deacons with a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double in the loss at Notre Dame. This season, Cowles returns to the Joel as a member of the Fighting Irish.
- She ranks fourth on the team with 9.0 points per game while her 5.4 rebounds per game is third for Notre Dame.
- Over her Wake Forest career, Cowles tallied 581 points and 353 rebounds. Additionally, she was a member of the 2020-21 team that made the NCAA Tournament.
The Demon Deacons are back on the road Sunday ams the Deacs make their last flight of the regular season, traveling to Boston College
Tipoff is scheduled for Noon ET on ACC Network Extra.
Women's Basketball Tickets
Single-Game Tickets
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.
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
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