The Syracuse Orange women’s basketball team wrapped up its season after a tough loss to the top-seeded Connecticut Huskies in the NCAA Tournament. The final score was 98-45, marking the end of a challenging yet eventful season for the Orange.
Journey Thompson got the game started with a quick basket, showing promise early on. Uche Izoje shone in the first quarter, scoring four points and demonstrating solid defense with a block and a steal. However, Syracuse found itself trailing heavily by the end of the first quarter, 33-8.
As the game progressed, Angelica Velez and Keira Scott contributed to the scoreboard, but the team struggled to keep pace. They were down 65-12 at halftime. The second half began a bit stronger, with Thompson pulling off a fast break and Izoje scoring again. Syracuse managed an 11-0 run, but Connecticut quickly regained control.
Despite a late surge, where Izoje recorded her 26th double-digit game of the season, the Orange couldn’t overcome the large deficit. The final buzzer sealed a tough season but also highlighted individual achievements. Izoje and Laila Phelia both reached double digits in scoring multiple times throughout the year, showcasing their potential.
Interestingly, this game reflected a broader trend in women’s college basketball. According to the NCAA, participation rates have been steadily increasing over the past decade. In 2021, women’s basketball saw a record high of 5.2 million participants across all levels, showing the growing interest in the sport.
As teams like Syracuse continue to develop their talent, fans can look forward to exciting seasons ahead. The emergence of players like Izoje and Phelia offers hope for the future, especially as NCAA programs seek to elevate women’s basketball on a national stage.
For more updates on Syracuse women’s basketball, follow them on social media @CuseWBB.
