Wake Forest Women’s Basketball Opens Preseason With 68-43 Win Over NC A&T

Wake Forest women’s basketball made a strong first impression in its opening exhibition, using efficient shooting, defensive pressure and a balanced scoring effort to defeat NC A&T, 68-43, on the road in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The Demon Deacons had three players reach double figures, while their defense forced 27 turnovers to help establish control as the game progressed. The exhibition offered an early look at Wake Forest’s depth and offensive potential ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Freshmen Make Their Mark in Wake Forest’s First Exhibition

Freshman Adora Nwude led Wake Forest with 11 points, providing an immediate boost off the bench. The Vienna, Virginia, native connected on five of her six field-goal attempts in fewer than 13 minutes, showing an ability to make an impact without needing extended playing time.

Freshman Oshauna Holland also finished with 10 points, adding four rebounds and two steals. Graduate student Breauna Ware matched Holland’s scoring total, with all 10 of her points coming in the first half. Ware also recorded two steals and helped Wake Forest establish an early offensive rhythm.

Sophomore Opal Bird contributed six points, four rebounds and three assists in just over 18 minutes. She made both of her attempts from beyond the arc, giving the Demon Deacons another reliable perimeter option. Grace Galbavy added seven points, three rebounds and two steals.

The production from across the roster was particularly encouraging for Wake Forest, which finished with 34 bench points compared with NC A&T’s 11.

Three-Point Shooting and Defensive Pressure Fuel the Victory

Wake Forest was efficient offensively, shooting 57.8% from the field by making 26 of 45 attempts. The Demon Deacons were even more effective from three-point range, knocking down 11 of 17 attempts for a 64.7% clip.

The Deacs also controlled the interior, outscoring NC A&T 26-14 in points in the paint. That inside production, paired with the outside shooting, gave Wake Forest multiple ways to build its advantage.

Defensively, Wake Forest limited the Aggies to 39% shooting from the field and forced 27 turnovers. The Demon Deacons collected 13 steals, with five players recording two apiece.

The turnover pressure helped Wake Forest create opportunities in transition and disrupt NC A&T’s offensive flow. However, head coach Megan Gebbia noted that her team also committed too many turnovers of its own in transition, an area that will need attention before the regular season begins.

Wake Forest Builds Separation After Halftime

The Demon Deacons entered halftime with a 28-24 lead after a competitive first half. Ware paced the team with 10 points before the break, while Bird accounted for all six of her first-half points from beyond the arc.

Wake Forest began creating more distance in the third quarter. Holland scored inside before senior Madisyn Jordan added a quick basket and Aurora Sørbye attacked the rim. Holland followed with a three-pointer to help push the Deacs’ lead to 38-27.

NC A&T briefly responded, but Wake Forest maintained its advantage and carried a 44-33 lead into the fourth quarter.

Nwude helped spark the final push, converting an offensive rebound into a driving finish as Wake Forest opened the period with renewed energy. The Deacs then delivered a 10-0 run, highlighted by three-pointers from Galbavy and Holland, another aggressive finish from Nwude and an easy layup for Holland off a pass from Galbavy.

Wake Forest continued to add to its lead down the stretch. Nwude and Ramiyah Byrd contributed additional points, while three-pointers from Mary Carter and freshman Helena Danielewiccz helped close out the 25-point victory.

What It Really Means

For Wake Forest, the exhibition was an encouraging early test of its offensive versatility and defensive intensity.

The Demon Deacons demonstrated that they can score from the perimeter, attack the basket and get meaningful contributions from their bench. Nwude’s efficient debut and the scoring from Holland offered a glimpse of the freshmen’s potential, while Ware’s first-half production provided an experienced presence.

The defensive numbers were another positive sign. Forcing 27 turnovers and recording 13 steals can create extra possessions and scoring chances, particularly against teams that struggle to handle pressure.

Still, one exhibition does not determine how a season will unfold. Wake Forest will need to limit its own mistakes, especially in transition, and sustain its defensive effort against tougher competition.

The next opportunity to evaluate the team comes Sunday, when the Demon Deacons return home for their final preseason exhibition before the regular season begins.

Gebbia Emphasizes Team Effort and Continued Growth

Head coach Megan Gebbia praised the team’s defensive pressure and ability to attack off the dribble, while pointing to areas that still need improvement.

“I thought we did well entering the second half, especially with ball pressure by our guards and wearing them down,” Gebbia said. “We forced 27 turnovers but also had too many of our own in transition — some things to clean up there.”

Gebbia also highlighted Wake Forest’s ability to convert open three-point opportunities and described the performance as a strong team effort. With one exhibition remaining, the focus shifts to correcting mistakes and continuing to build toward the season opener.

Source: Wake Forest Athletics