In their first game since last Sunday’s loss against Villanova, Wake Forest (3-1, 0-0) was clearly driving on a cold engine when the Winthrop Eagles (2-2) came to Winston-Salem.
“We weren’t firing on all cylinders,” Head Coach Megan Gebbia said in reference to her team’s first-half performance.
The Demon Deacons did not hit a 3-point shot until the 5:43 mark in the second quarter. Additionally, they ended the half with ten turnovers, resulting in -1 in the turnover margin — an uncharacteristic start for the steal-centered defense.
Despite the slow start, Wake Forest still kept the contest tied at the midway break. They ended the second quarter with three 3-point field goals, which would be the first sign that the Demon Deacons were about to shift up in gear.
Post-game, Coach Gebbia mentioned that their early woes from beyond the arc were due in part to their selection of shots — they needed less off-dribble shots and more catch-and-shoot shots. We saw a glimpse of that in the latter minutes of the first half, but really got to see Wake Forest in their true element coming out of the locker room for the second half.
The Demon Deacons committed just two turnovers in the third quarter and connected on half of their 3-point field goals. Madisyn Jordan was a standout player who also found her footing in the third quarter.
“She’s one of those players, where after the second one goes in, she’s locked in,” Elise Williams commented on Jordan. Williams and Jordan both finished with a game-high 12 points.
Jordan hit back-to-back 3-pointers for Wake Forest and finished 5-10 from the field, significantly helping turn the tide against the Eagles. Alongside Jordan, Raegyn Conley connected with nylon three times (3-4 3FG), helping the Demon Deacons notch a season-high 11 3-pointers.
In the fourth quarter, the Demon Deacons dominated, going on a 13-0 run and ballooning their lead up to 27 at one point. Wake Forest went on cruise control, allowing Winthrop to go on an 11-0 run to end the game, minimizing the Demon Deacon victory to 66-50.
Despite the fact that this was Wake’s first time touching the hardwood since their tough loss to the Wildcats, they managed to stay afloat during their inefficient first half, and then steamrolled upon finding their rhythm.
Coach Gebbia was happy with the way her team rallied, but also acknowledged the young season: “We have some things to work on, there’s no question about that.”
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are back in action this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum against George Mason.
