The Syracuse women’s basketball team, with an impressive record of 16-3 and positioned third in the ACC, is headed to Chapel Hill this weekend. They’ve been on a roll with three consecutive wins, surprising many after being ranked 13th in the preseason poll.
As they prepare to face the Tar Heels, who sit at 16-5, Syracuse is looking to build on their momentum. Their recent victory against Stanford, where junior guard Dominique Darius scored a career-high 26 points, helped solidify their standing. Darius has made headlines not only for her scoring during that game but also for her clutch performance in a thrilling triple-overtime match against California.
Historically, the Orange have a narrow lead in their series against UNC, 9-8, but they’ve faced challenges playing at the Carmichael Arena, having won only three of their last ten games there. Their last victory in Chapel Hill dates back to February 2020.
Freshman center Uche Izoje has been a game-changer this season. She leads the ACC in blocks and ranks third in field goal percentage, showcasing her talent with an average of 13.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. With eight double-doubles this season, she’s become a standout player. Senior guard Laila Phelia, averaging 14.2 points, brings a sharp shooting touch from beyond the arc, although she missed the last game due to a back injury. In her absence, junior Sophie Burrows has stepped up, scoring an average of 14.8 points over the past five games.
Syracuse excels on the boards, leading the ACC in offensive rebounds. Their team approach, where multiple players contribute significantly, aligns well with Coach Felisha Legette-Jack’s philosophy.
Meanwhile, UNC is no slouch, currently ranked 21st in the USA Today Coaches Top 25. Both teams, riding their own winning streaks, promise an exciting matchup. A Syracuse win this weekend could bolster their NCAA Tournament chances, currently projected as an 8-seed.
As sports enthusiasm grows, fans are rallying around their teams with social media buzzing about this showdown. It’s a moment for both teams to demonstrate their growth and determination.
For more updates on Syracuse women’s basketball, check out their social media channels.
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