DULUTH, Ga. (theACC.com) – No. 10-seeded California used a dominant second half to power past No. 15-seeded Wake Forest, 75-52, in the first round of the 2026 Ally ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 4, in Greater Atlanta.

California (19-13) advances to face No. 7 seed Syracuse on Thursday, March 5, at 5 p.m. ET.

The Golden Bears took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Demon Deacons 29-12 and shooting 55.6 percent (10-of-18) in the frame to break the game open. Cal finished with a 41-28 advantage on the boards, 38 points in the paint and 21 points from its bench.

Four Golden Bears reached double figures, led by Sakima Walker’s 17-point, 10-rebound double-double. Lulu Twidale added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Gisella Maul and Aliyahna Morris each scored 10.

Mary Carter paced the Demon Deacons with 13 points and five rebounds, while Grace Oliver tallied 10 points. Milan Brown led the way with nine rebounds for the Deacs.

After a tight opening quarter, Cal closed the first half on a 17-4 surge to build a 32-21 halftime lead. The Golden Bears then held Wake Forest scoreless from the field for more than four minutes in the third quarter to extend the margin to 61-33 entering the fourth.

Wake Forest shot 61.5 percent in the final period, but the Demon Deacons could not overcome Cal’s decisive third-quarter run.

California answered every push down the stretch to secure the 23-point victory and move on to the second round.