Syracuse women’s basketball dropped a hard-fought 77-71 overtime decision to North Carolina on Sunday afternoon. The Orange slipped to 16-4 overall and 6-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, while the Tar Heels improved to 17-5 and 6-3.
Uche Izoje delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for her ninth double-double of the season. She scored in double figures for the 16th time this year and powered Syracuse with consistent interior scoring. Dominique Darius also made key contributions throughout the game, while the Orange finished with 38 points in the paint and forced 10 turnovers.
Syracuse trailed 19-15 after the opening quarter but found its rhythm early in the second. Buckets from Darius and Laila Phelia helped even the score, and the Orange briefly took the lead late in the half before heading into the locker room tied 34-34.
North Carolina built a nine-point cushion in the third quarter, but Syracuse stayed within reach behind Izoje’s scoring surge. The Tar Heels led 59-55 entering the fourth, where Syracuse mounted a late comeback. An 8-0 run tied the game with under a minute remaining, and a defensive stand in the final seconds forced overtime.
The Orange were unable to keep pace in the extra period, as North Carolina converted key possessions to pull away. Syracuse managed just one field goal and a free throw in overtime as the Tar Heels closed out the win.
Syracuse returns home Thursday, January 29, to host Georgia Tech at the JMA Wireless Dome. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
ORANGE GAME WEEK: Syracuse football returns home to host Louisville Saturday night (preview) 
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
