Cal Cruises Past Wake Forest to Advance to ACC Women’s Tournament Second Round

In the second game of the Ally ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament, the California Golden Bears women’s basketball faced the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Gas South Arena. California entered the matchup looking to build momentum after closing the regular season with an 85–50 win over the Clemson Tigers women’s basketball, while Wake Forest came into the tournament hoping to rebound following a 77–74 overtime loss to the Florida State Seminoles in its regular-season finale.

The first quarter featured defensive pressure from both teams, as neither offense could find a rhythm. The teams combined to shoot just 8-of-30 from the field, and California struggled early, making only 2 of its first 12 attempts. Wake Forest managed to hold a slim edge in the opening period behind Grace Galvaby, who scored five points to help the Demon Deacons stay close as Cal led just 11–10 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, California began to establish control. Wake Forest faced an early setback when Claudia Gidney exited the game with an injury with 9:30 remaining in the period. Midway through the quarter, Lulu Twidale helped push California ahead 20–17, and Sakima Walker extended the lead after finishing through contact for an and-one opportunity. The Golden Bears’ offense improved significantly, shooting 56 percent in the quarter and closing the half on a 17–4 run, with Walker leading the charge with nine points in the period.

California continued to dominate in the third quarter, maintaining offensive efficiency while tightening its defense. Walker again led the effort, helping extend the Golden Bears’ lead to as many as 25 points late in the quarter. Wake Forest struggled to generate offense throughout the period, shooting just 26 percent from the field and failing to score more than 12 points in the quarter. California shot 55 percent during the third, creating a comfortable margin heading into the final period.

Wake Forest’s struggles continued in the fourth quarter as foul trouble and missed opportunities prevented the Demon Deacons from mounting a comeback. California capitalized at the free-throw line, converting all 10 of its attempts, while maintaining control on the glass with a 35–22 rebounding advantage.

Sakima Walker led California with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting while also contributing eight rebounds. Mary Carter paced Wake Forest with 13 points and five rebounds in the loss. California finished the game shooting 45 percent from the field compared to Wake Forest’s 30 percent, securing the victory and advancing in the ACC Tournament.

Cal advances to the second round to face Syracuse Thursday at 5pm.