Syracuse Women’s Hoops Rolls Past Boston College, Sets Sights on Bigger Challenges
Chestnut Hill, Mass. - Syracuse didn’t waste any time asserting itself Thursday night. The Orange walked into Conte Forum and left with a commanding 93-59 win over Boston College, a wire-to-wire performance that showcased their depth, discipline, and growing confidence as the ACC schedule heats up.
Now sitting at 19-4 overall and 9-3 in the ACC, Syracuse has won six of its last seven games and continues to build momentum heading into the stretch run. This one was never really in doubt. After giving up the game’s opening basket, the Orange rattled off a 6-0 run and never looked back, turning in one of their most complete performances of the season in front of a Syracuse-friendly crowd of 623.
Uzo Izoje Leads the Charge
Freshman center Uzo Izoje continues to look more and more comfortable in the middle. She led all scorers with 18 points and pulled down eight rebounds, anchoring both ends of the floor with poise beyond her years.
Izoje was active early and often, scoring Syracuse’s first bucket and later grabbing an offensive board that set up Dominique Darius for a smooth 15-foot jumper. Plays like that set the tone for a night where Syracuse simply overwhelmed BC.
Balanced Attack, Bench Depth on Display
The Orange didn’t need to lean on any one player to carry the load. Sophomore guard Madeline Potts added 12 points, senior Laila Phelia chipped in with 11, and Darius nearly messed around and got a triple-double - finishing with 10 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists in just three quarters of action.
In fact, none of Syracuse’s starters touched the floor in the fourth quarter. That’s a luxury few teams have, and it speaks to the kind of depth and balance head coach Felisha Legette-Jack has cultivated.
The Orange shot a scorching 51.4% from the field and knocked down 10 of their 22 attempts from beyond the arc (43.5%). When a team is clicking like that offensively and still locking in defensively, you’re looking at a dangerous group.
A Homecoming Moment for Jasmyn Cooper
One of the night’s loudest ovations came early in the second quarter when freshman forward Jasmyn Cooper - a local product from North Easton, Massachusetts - drained a three. Cooper, who starred at nearby Noble and Greenough, finished with five points in front of family and friends. It was a brief but special moment, and one that highlights the kind of feel-good depth Syracuse has on its roster.
Boston College’s Slide Continues
As for Boston College, the struggles continue. The Eagles (4-21, 0-12 ACC) have now dropped 17 straight games since starting the season 3-1.
They’ve yet to notch a win in conference play and couldn’t keep up with Syracuse’s tempo or size. Guards Jocelyne Grier and Lily Carmody led BC with 15 points apiece, while redshirt senior Erin Houpt added eight - including the game’s first basket, a three-pointer that briefly gave BC the lead.
But that was as good as it got for the Eagles. Syracuse quickly answered, and by halftime, the Orange had doubled up BC 42-21, thanks in part to nine first-half assists from Darius.
What’s Next for the Orange
This was a business trip, and Syracuse handled it with the focus and execution of a team eyeing something bigger. The Orange took care of one of the ACC’s bottom teams - the second-lowest NET-rated squad in any power conference - and now turn their attention to the other end of the spectrum.
Tougher tests are coming, and Syracuse knows it. But if Thursday night is any indication, they’re more than ready for the challenge.