Syracuse University’s women’s basketball team began their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) season with a 78-69 win over Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas on Sunday. The Orange now hold an 8-1 overall record and are 1-0 in conference play, while SMU falls to 4-5 for the season.
Sophie Burrows led Syracuse in scoring, finishing with 22 points, including five three-pointers and a perfect record at the free throw line. “Burrows kicked it off for the Orange, hitting a three-pointer early in the first quarter. ‘Cuse kept up defensively, holding SMU scoreless for four minutes and 30 seconds after the opening tip. Uche Izoje blocked five shots as Laila Phelia shot a perfect 3-3 from the field, including two from beyond the arc to help put Syracuse up 25-8 in the first quarter.”
The Orange maintained their lead through a slower second quarter, entering halftime ahead 39-24. Burrows continued her strong performance with six points during this period.
In the third quarter, contributions came from several players: Phelia and Dominique Darius each added five points, while Burrows and Madeline Potts made three-point shots. Despite SMU scoring 20 points in that quarter, Syracuse held onto its advantage.
Journey Thompson contributed six points in the fourth quarter by making all her field goal and free throw attempts. Burrows added another seven points to reach her total of 22 for the game. “The Orange kept up with SMU’s momentum, winning their first conference game of the season 78-69.”
Syracuse now leads SMU 2-0 in all-time matchups between the teams. Uche Izoje recorded a career-high eight blocks and has achieved at least five blocks in each of her last three games. Four Syracuse players scored double digits: Sophie Burrows (22), Laila Phelia (19), Dominique Darius (13), and Journey Thompson (10). The team also made eleven three-pointers during the contest.
The Orange will return home to play Colgate at JMA Wireless Dome on Wednesday, December 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at cuse.com/basketballtickets.
For more information about Syracuse women’s basketball, updates can be found on social media via @CuseWBB.
