Syracuse women’s basketball dropped its ACC home opener Sunday night, falling 71-51 to Duke at the JMA Wireless Dome. The loss moved the Orange to 11-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Dominique Darius paced Syracuse with 18 points and three rebounds.
The Orange set an energetic tone early, forcing turnovers and protecting the rim. Sophie Burrows jump-started Syracuse with a steal that led to a basket, and Uche Izoje turned away multiple shots as the teams traded stops throughout the opening quarter. Duke and Syracuse ended the first 10 minutes locked in a 14-14 tie.
Offense proved harder to find for the Orange in the second quarter. Duke controlled the tempo and gradually built separation, outscoring Syracuse 19-8 to take a 33-22 lead into halftime. Darius provided a spark for Syracuse during the stretch, while Burrows contributed defensively.
Syracuse showed renewed energy coming out of the break, with Darius and Laila Phelia combining for nine points in the third quarter. The Orange added three blocks and two steals during the period, but Duke continued to find answers and pushed its advantage to 50-35 entering the final quarter.
Phelia connected from long range early in the fourth, but Duke maintained control down the stretch. The Blue Devils held Syracuse to 16 points in the final period while extending the margin to secure the 71-51 win.
Burrows matched a career high with five steals, and Darius reached double figures for the ninth time this season. Syracuse finished with nine steals, five blocks, and 32 points in the paint.
The Orange return to the Dome on New Year’s Day to host Florida State at 6 p.m.
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
