WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — On Sunday, the 18th-ranked California Golden Bears triumphed over Wake Forest with a score of 67-55, thanks to breakout performances from several players. Marta Suarez led the squad with 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while teammates Ioanna Krimili and Lulu Twidale each contributed 14 points, including four successful three-pointers.
The pivotal moment of the game came in the second quarter when Krimili scored the first eight points in a crucial 10-2 run, granting California a 23-19 advantage just four minutes in. From that point on, the Golden Bears maintained their lead. Twidale added two three-pointers to the tally before Krimili netted her third of the quarter, increasing the lead to 32-24 by halftime.
Elise Williams spearheaded the scoring for the Demon Deacons with 15 points, while Demeara Hinds and Rylie Theuerkauf contributed 10 points each. Despite the fight from Wake Forest, they found themselves outmatched in various facets of the game.
California displayed their offensive efficiency by shooting 49% from the floor, making 24 of 49 attempts, and successfully converting 10 of 24 from beyond the arc. They also dominated the boards, out-rebounding Wake Forest 45-26. The Demon Deacons, on the other hand, got off to a rocky start, managing to score only eight of the first ten points as Cal struggled initially, missing their first five shots.
The win was particularly significant for California, who aimed to bounce back after suffering a heavy loss (72-38) to 16th-ranked Duke in their previous outing, marking their lowest point total since a 33-point game against Stanford in 2021. For Wake Forest, this defeat marked their sixth consecutive loss overall and extended their suffering with eight straight defeats in conference matchups.
California is set to complete their three-game road trip this Thursday against Stanford, a team they previously defeated 83-63 at home during the conference season opener. Meanwhile, Wake Forest will face another formidable opponent on Thursday as they travel to take on 14th-ranked North Carolina.
