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It was bound to happen sooner or later. Unfortunately for the Nevada Wolf Pack basketball team, it was sooner.
Junior Chelsea Douglas emerged from a multi-game scoring rut, scoring 22 points to lead the Deacs to a 77-54 victory over Nevada during a Monday matinee' at Joel Coliseum. Douglas led four Deacs in double figures including Asia Williams (13 points), Lakevia Boykin (12 points) and Dearica Hamby (12 points).
"We really try to get Chelsea to focus in on the defensive side of things and what she can do for us defensively, and that the offense would come to her." - Head Coach Jen Hoover
The Deacs struggled at the outset, trailing 17-10 after nearly five minutes of play. Wake Forest then ramped up the defense, quickly storming back to take a 3-point lead by the under-12 media timeout and pushing to a 10-point lead as the clock crept under the seven-minute mark. The run was predicated on the Deacs' defensive display, as the Lady Deacs blocked shots, dove for loose balls and were aggressive on the blocks. Senior Mykala Walker made the most of her 18 minutes of playing time, tallying 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and a career-best 5 steals. Williams and Hamby also had impressive steal totals, swiping 4 apiece. As a unit, the Lady Deacs recorded 21 steals on the day.
"I think today we really pulled it together defensively. We were kind of all over the place today and very active on defense, and I think Coach Jen was really, really happy with us. I think it was fun to play." - Senior Mykala Walker
"It (rebounding) is something she really talks about in practice. She tells us, 'If we don't rebound we won't win', and I think that's something that we're really keying in on and trying to get better at every day." - Junior Chelsea Douglas
Monday's win ends the non-conference slate for the Deacs, who now await a visit from North Carolina Wolfpack on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Joel. The Pack (8-5, 0-1 in ACC play), are lead by junior forward Kody Burke's 15 points and 7 rebounds per game. The Deacons will challenged to match the defensive intensity and cohesive overall play displayed against Nevada.