SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-14, 1-10 ACC) head to the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday to face the Syracuse Orange (9-13, 3-8 ACC) in an important conference clash. The Demon Deacons are aiming for their second win in four games and their first ACC road win of the season.
Tipoff and Coverage
- Date: Sunday
- Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
- Broadcast: ACC Network Extra
- Live Stats and Streaming: GoDeacs.com/Watch
Team Preview: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Recent Performance
Despite a 97-68 loss to No. 25 Florida State in their last game, Wake Forest saw standout performances from Demeara Hinds, who notched her fourth career double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Hinds’ 9-of-15 shooting performance was one of the team’s most efficient outings, second only to Rylie Theuerkauf, who has been heating up offensively.
Defense and Turnovers
Wake Forest’s defense and ability to force turnovers have been key highlights this season:
- 62.8 points per game allowed (8th in the ACC)
- Top 90 in the nation with 9.4 steals per game
- 20 or more turnovers forced in five games this season, including a season-high 28 turnovers against Cal
Key Players to Watch
Demeara Hinds (Redshirt Senior Forward)
- Coming off a double-double against Florida State (18 points, 13 rebounds)
- Improved free-throw shooter this season, hitting 61.3% from the stripe compared to 37.3% last year
Rylie Theuerkauf (Sophomore Guard)
- Scored 76 points in her last three games, including 25 points against No. 17 NC State
- Averages 11.0 points per game, second-most on the team
Elise Williams (Senior Guard)
- Reached 1,000 career points and currently ranks 15th in program history
- Averaging 82.9% from the free-throw line this season, ranked 7th all-time in program history
Malaya Cowles (Redshirt Sophomore Forward)
- Efficient scorer, shooting 53.0% at home and coming off multiple double-digit scoring games
Team Preview: Syracuse Orange
Syracuse enters the game fresh off a win against Boston College and is looking for its fourth conference victory. Known for their team-oriented play, the Orange are ranked:
- 40th nationally and 4th in the ACC in assists per game (16.5)
- 4th in the ACC and 30th nationally in blocks per game (4.5)
- 2nd in the ACC and 16th nationally in offensive rebounds per game (15.4)
Key Player to Watch: Dominique Camp (Guard)
- Ranks 5th in the ACC in assists per game (2.39)
- A key facilitator for Syracuse’s offensive sets
Game History and Previous Matchup
- All-Time Series: Syracuse leads 9-3
- Last Meeting: January 11, 2024, Syracuse won 77-56
- Wake Forest made eight three-pointers, with Malaya Cowles leading the team with 13 points
Keys to Victory for Wake Forest
- Defense and Turnovers: Continue forcing double-digit turnovers, which has been a key factor in their defensive success.
- Hinds and Theuerkauf’s Scoring: Maintain offensive momentum from key players to break through Syracuse’s defense.
- Ball Movement: Wake Forest has excelled in assists, with 21 assists against Louisville being their season high. Efficient ball movement will be critical against Syracuse’s defensive schemes.
Additional Stats to Watch
Wake Forest Free-Throw Improvement
- The Deacs are shooting 75% or higher from the line in 10 games this season.
- Elise Williams ranks 7th in program history for free-throw percentage and is shooting 82.9% this season.
Sharpshooting from Beyond the Arc
- Wake Forest has hit 127 threes in 22 games (31.1% accuracy).
- Elise Williams has moved up to 7th on the program’s all-time list for three-pointers with 144 career threes.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
With both teams looking to gain momentum in conference play, this matchup will likely be decided by defensive intensity and offensive efficiency. If Wake Forest can capitalize on turnovers and maintain strong inside play from Hinds and Cowles, they have a strong chance to secure their second ACC win of the season.
Stay tuned as both teams battle for a crucial victory Sunday afternoon.
