Syracuse women’s basketball improved to 8-1 and opened conference play with a 78-69 win over SMU on Sunday afternoon, powered by a balanced offense and a fast start at both ends of the floor. Sophie Burrows paced the Orange with 22 points, fueled by five three-pointers and a perfect showing at the foul line, while three other players also reached double figures.
The Orange seized control early, racing out to a 25-8 lead behind sharp perimeter shooting and suffocating defense. Syracuse held the Mustangs without a basket for more than four minutes to open the game, with Uche Izoje anchoring the interior and piling up blocks. Laila Phelia added a flawless first quarter from the field to help build the double-digit cushion.
The pace slowed in the second quarter, but Syracuse still carried a 39-24 advantage into halftime, boosted by Burrows’ steady scoring. SMU found more rhythm after the break, putting up 20 points in the third, but the Orange matched the surge with contributions across the lineup. Phelia, Dominique Darius, Burrows, and Madeline Potts all chipped in to maintain a 15-point edge heading into the fourth.
Journey Thompson delivered key baskets in the final period, adding six points while Burrows closed out her team-high performance. SMU made one final push, but Syracuse kept the Mustangs at arm’s length to secure its first conference win of the season.
Izoje finished with a career-best eight blocks, marking her third straight game with at least five. Syracuse also hit 11 threes and now leads the all-time series with SMU 2-0.
The Orange return home Wednesday to host Colgate at the JMA Wireless Dome. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.