Syracuse women’s basketball picked up a 65-60 road victory over Miami on Sunday afternoon, improving to 18-4 overall and 8-3 in ACC play.
Sophie Burrows and Laila Phelia powered the Orange, scoring 21 points apiece and combining for 42 of Syracuse’s 65 points. Burrows knocked down five 3-pointers, while Phelia continued her consistent scoring stretch with her 17th double-digit performance of the season. Uche Izoje added a strong presence inside, finishing with 12 rebounds to record her 11th double-digit rebounding effort of the year.
Syracuse opened the game with a 9-0 run, holding Miami scoreless for the first 3:45 before taking a 16-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. A defensive-oriented second quarter featured extended scoring droughts, but timely baskets from Dominique Darius, Izoje and Aurora Almon helped the Orange carry a 29-23 advantage into halftime.
The Orange took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Hurricanes 17-12 to build a 46-35 lead. Burrows scored eight points in the period, while Phelia added five as Syracuse limited Miami’s offensive opportunities.
Syracuse extended its lead to as many as 19 points early in the fourth quarter after another Burrows 3-pointer and a series of strong drives to the basket. Miami mounted a late comeback, trimming the deficit in the final minutes, but Syracuse closed out the game at the free-throw line and on the defensive end to secure the five-point win.
The Orange finished with 43 rebounds and five steals in the victory.
Syracuse continues its road stretch Thursday, February 5, traveling to Boston College for a 6 p.m. tipoff.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
