NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State women's basketball team is looking for its first victory against an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent in over four decades when the Spartans face Wake Forest on the road on Sunday, Dec. 10 at LJVM Coliseum.
 
NSU's last win against an ACC program came against the University of Virginia on Dec. 4, 1979, a 57-53 result. Jewel Stewart led the Spartans with 16 points and seven rebounds that day, handing Virginia its first loss of the season.
 
Norfolk State (7-2) enters Sunday's contest well rested, defeating Chicago State 76-68 on Saturday, Dec. 2 in its last showdown. Kierra Wheeler led the Spartans with an incredible performance, tallying career highs of 29 points and 15 rebounds.
 
The dominant showing earned Wheeler Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women's Basketball Player of the Week honors, while freshman Da'Brya Clark received her second MEAC Rookie of the Week recognition. Clark posted 13 points and five assists against the Cougars.
 
Wake Forest (2-7) is looking to snap a four-game losing streak, dropping a home matchup with Charlotte 69-58 on Thursday. The Demon Deacons' two wins this season have come against Wofford and Saint Louis.
 
Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m., with the game airing on ESPN+.
 
Last Time Out

• Norfolk State closed out its Midwest trip with a 76-68 victory over Chicago State on Saturday, Dec. 2.
• Kierra Wheeler put together a career performance, recording 29 points and 15 rebounds.
• Freshman Da'Brya Clark tallied 13 points and five assists against CSU, knocking down both of Norfolk State's 3-pointers on Saturday.
• Niya Fields registered a strong stat line across the board, recording nine points, seven assists, and six steals.

Series Notes

• Wake Forest leads the all-time series between the programs 2-0
• The Demon Deacons narrowly emerged with a 63-61 victory when the teams last met on Dec. 30, 2018
• NSU trailed by as much as 19 in the fourth quarter that day, but ended the game on a 22-5 run to pull within two in the final minute of regulation
• Wake Forest won the first meeting between the schools 76-45 on Feb. 20, 2002

Deacon Scout

• Wake Forest has lost four consecutive games, coming into Sunday's matchup with a 2-7 record
• The Demon Deacons fell 69-58 to Charlotte on Thursday evening
• Malaya Cowles led Wake Forest with 18 points and eight rebounds against the 49ers
• Three Demon Deacons are scoring in double figures this season: Cowles (10.3), Elise Williams (10.2), and Kaia Harris (10.1)

 
Looking Ahead to What's Next
 
After facing Wake Forest, Norfolk State continues to battle against elite competition, visiting Auburn on Saturday, Dec. 16. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.
 
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.