The Syracuse women’s basketball team celebrated a strong victory against Pittsburgh, winning 84-51. This marks their 20th win of the season and keeps their impressive streak of 28 consecutive wins against the Panthers, dating back to the 2009-2010 season.
Game Highlights
Right from the start, Syracuse showed their strength. Laila Phelia snagged a steal early on, leading to a quick score by Uche Izoje that put the Orange ahead. Despite a brief lead change by Pittsburgh, Syracuse quickly regained control with back-to-back three-pointers from Dominique Darius and Phelia, ending the first quarter with a slim lead of 21-20.
In the second quarter, the Orange intensified their game. Sophie Burrows scored two three-pointers and a layup, while Izoje added two more field goals. Pittsburgh struggled to find their rhythm, failing to score for nearly six minutes. Syracuse went into halftime with a commanding 43-24 lead, outscoring their opponents 22-4 in that quarter.
The third quarter saw a bit of a back-and-forth, but Syracuse maintained their pace. Potts ended the quarter with a crucial three-pointer, leaving the score at 68-38.
In the final quarter, Madeline Potts shined. She hit two quick three-pointers and continued to rack up points, forcing the Panthers to call a timeout as their deficit grew to 36 points. The game ended with Syracuse firmly in control, finishing 84-51.
Key Performers
- Madeline Potts: Achieved a career-high 14 points in just 10 minutes.
- Sophie Burrows: Added 18 points, marking her 13th double-digit game this season.
- Dominique Darius: Contributed 11 points and recorded nine assists.
Syracuse had a total of 22 assists, with Darius being instrumental in facilitating the offense. The defense also shone, limiting Pittsburgh to just four points in the second quarter—a season-low for an opponent.
Historical Context
This victory sets the stage for a significant trend in the Syracuse program. Under coach Felisha Legette-Jack, the Orange have hit 20 wins for the third time, showcasing a consistent upward trajectory in performance. This consistency hints at the potential for deeper tournament runs in the coming seasons, especially as they continue to excel in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Looking Ahead
Next up, Syracuse will host Clemson in a special “Play for Kay” game on February 15 at the JMA Wireless Dome. This event not only boosts team spirit but also promotes awareness for breast cancer, an important cause. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support.
For real-time updates and further insights on the team, fans can follow them on social media at @CuseWBB.
By continuing this strong performance and maintaining their winning momentum, Syracuse is positioning themselves as a formidable contender in college basketball.
