The Syracuse women’s basketball team (15-3, 5-2) outlasted California (10-9, 1-5) in a triple-overtime thriller, earning a 90-87 victory at the JMA Wireless Dome. Domonique Darius buried a go-ahead three-pointer with 3.5 seconds remaining in the third overtime to seal Syracuse’s first triple-overtime win since December 4, 1998.
Syracuse set the tone early behind Laila Phelia, who opened the game with a three-pointer, as the Orange took a 12-10 lead after one quarter. Sophie Burrows sparked a second-quarter surge with defensive pressure and timely scoring, while Phelia added points in the paint to help Syracuse build a 34-23 halftime advantage.
The Orange controlled the third quarter with energy on the glass and defensive stops, forcing six turnovers and extending the lead to 53-37. California responded with a strong fourth-quarter rally, outscoring Syracuse 25-9 to force overtime after tying the game at 62 with under 30 seconds remaining.
Uche Izoje powered Syracuse in the extra periods, scoring key baskets and finishing with 22 points and 13 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season. California forced a second and third overtime with late shots, but Syracuse answered each time. Darius tied the game at the free-throw line late in the third overtime before knocking down the decisive three.
Four Orange players scored in double figures, led by Izoje (22), Burrows (21), Darius (19) and Phelia (18). Aurora Almón added a career-high 14 rebounds as Syracuse finished with 57 boards.
Syracuse returns to action on Sunday when it hosts Stanford at the JMA Wireless Dome 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].