The Syracuse women’s basketball team (13-3, 3-2) fell 77-57 to Virginia Tech (12-5, 2-3) in an Atlantic Coast Conference game. The Orange’s starting five—Laila Phelia, Sophie Burrows, Domonique Darius, Uche Izoje, and Journey Thompson—combined for 45 points, 10 steals, and 25 rebounds.
Syracuse opened the game with early energy, including a Phelia layup off an Izoje tip and consecutive blocks by Izoje and Burrows. Virginia Tech responded with a 7-0 run to take a 22-15 lead after the first quarter. The Orange struggled offensively in the second, scoring just 10 points while the Hokies extended their lead to 35-23 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Virginia Tech started with another 7-0 run. Syracuse countered with four straight field goals, including a Burrows three-pointer, but the deficit remained, 62-41 entering the final period. The Orange outscored the Hokies 16-15 in the fourth quarter, led by Phelia’s eight points, but could not close the gap.
Izoje led Syracuse with 14 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks. Burrows paced the team in assists, and Thompson was perfect from the field with three points on three attempts. Nine of 11 Orange players scored, and the team totaled 10 blocks, five in the first quarter alone.
Syracuse will face Virginia on the road Sunday, January 11, with tipoff scheduled for 2 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].