The Syracuse Orange women’s basketball team is back on home court Thursday night, looking to bounce back from a tough road loss and reassert themselves in the ACC race. Tipoff against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets is set for 6 p.m. ET at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Syracuse comes into this one with a 16-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in conference play. They’re fresh off a hard-fought battle with North Carolina that ended in a 77-71 overtime loss - a game that snapped their three-game winning streak but also showed just how dangerous this team can be when it’s firing on all cylinders.
Let’s start with the standout: Uche Izoje. The sophomore forward delivered a breakout performance in Chapel Hill, dropping a career-high 27 points and pulling down 12 rebounds.
She was everywhere - scoring inside, cleaning up the glass, and setting the tone for a Syracuse team that refused to back down. Her physicality and motor kept the Orange in the fight even when things got tight.
Dominique Darius added 19 points of her own, continuing her steady production in the backcourt, while Sophie Burrows chipped in 10. It was a balanced effort, with multiple players stepping up in key moments - a trend that’s been a strength of this Orange squad all season.
The game itself was a rollercoaster. North Carolina came out hot and held the early advantage, but Syracuse didn’t flinch.
They clawed their way back and went into halftime tied. The Tar Heels made a push in the third quarter, but the Orange answered with an 8-0 run in the fourth to force overtime, showing the kind of resilience that’s become a hallmark of this team.
Unfortunately for Syracuse, the extra period belonged to UNC. The Tar Heels jumped out quickly in OT, and the Orange couldn’t quite match the pace.
Still, there were positives to take away - especially on the defensive end. Syracuse’s pressure created turnovers and transition opportunities, keeping them in the game even when the offense hit a few cold stretches.
Now, they turn their attention to Georgia Tech - a team that’s sitting 12th in the ACC standings with a 9-12 overall record and 4-5 in conference play. The Yellow Jackets hold a slim 6-4 lead in the all-time series, but Syracuse has a prime opportunity to cut into that margin on their home floor.
This matchup is one the Orange can’t afford to overlook. Georgia Tech has shown flashes this season, and while their record might not jump off the page, they’re capable of making things difficult if given the chance. For Syracuse, the key will be carrying over the defensive intensity they showed in Chapel Hill, while tightening up execution in late-game situations.
The Orange have already proven they can hang with the best in the conference. Now it’s about consistency - stacking performances, closing games, and defending home court. Thursday night offers a chance to do just that.