Ferocious Syracuse comes away with 66-60 overtime win

It’s that time of year again, opening night of the ACC/SEC challenge.  On the schedule for the Orange—the Auburn Tigers. Both teams entered the tournament with only one loss, Auburn at 8-1 and Syracuse at 6-1. This was a back-and-forth contest throughout, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of the Orange at this early point in the season.

Early half-court pressure from the Tigers threw the Orange offense into an early funk.

During the first five minutes of play, SU had more turnovers than points. Auburn started sluggishly as well, but the Tigers were able to capitalize in transition, building a 17-6 lead.

Syracuse finally got things going in the final minutes of the first quarter with a 6-0 run to close within five, capped off by a steal and score by junior guard Angelica Velez.

The Orange carried that momentum into the second quarter and quickly tied the score at 19.

Graduate guard Dominique Darius gave The ‘Cuse its first lead of the night, converting a tough and-one down low to put Syracuse up 22-19.

Uche Izoje proved to be a dominant force on both ends. The freshman center finished the first half with eight points and was a much needed presence in the paint defensively.

In an impressive second quarter, the Orange outscored the Tigers 16-6 and finished the half with a 28-23 lead. 

Dominique Darius spoke on the team’s ability to flip the momentum in the roller coaster of a first half.

“We just really open up to listening to each other, and I think that’s what keeps us in the ball game and allows us to go on runs like that,” Darius said.

Coming out of the break, the Tigers began to come back with Auburn guard Harissoum Coulibaly leading the offensive attack, pushing her point total into double digits. 

A converted and-one by Tigers guard Kaitlyn Duhon tied things up at 36 halfway through the third. From there, both offenses slowed and managed to score only two baskets each, leaving the score knotted-up at 40 heading into the fourth quarter.

Entering the final 10 minutes of play, transfer guard Laila Phelia grabbed three quick points to put The Orange out in front.

The Syracuse defense held strong through the first four minutes, not surrendering a single basket until Auburn’s Duhon suddenly took things over, grabbing two quick steals, knocking down a three, and dishing an assist to tie things up.

Syracuse regained the lead with a tip-in from Izoje, but with just 2:40 remaining, the Tigers got back out in front with a three from Mya Petticord.

Darius answered right back for the Orange, knocking down a long two to put SU in front 49-48. Both teams continued to trade blows, with Syracuse leading 51-50 with under a minute to play in regulation.

After a missed shot from Syracuse, Auburn took advantage of its chance to take the lead. With the shot clock turned off, Coulibaly hit a floater to put the Tigers up 52-51.

Syracuse didn’t even need to run a play to tie things up. Junior guard Sophie Burrows was fouled during the inbounds play and sent to the line to shoot two. After missing the first, Burrows knocked down her second to tie the score with just 14 seconds remaining. Auburn’s last second jumper was off the mark, sending things to OT.

In the extra five minutes, back-and-forth play continued. Tied 58-58, Phelia completed an and-one, followed by an off-balance jumper, to give SU a 63-60 lead.

Auburn was left with one last chance to tie it, but Burrows grabbed an enormous steal to ice the game. A few free throws later, the Orange came away with a 66-60 victory, moving to 7-1 on the season.

In a tight contest, Phelia played hero for the Orange, despite a slow start. Head coach Felisha Legette-Jack trusted her veteran guard to lead the team to victory.

“I just saw her demand the ball,” Legette-Jack said. “When you see someone win as much as she does you just sit back, grab your popcorn and say take me home.”

The game showed both positives and negatives for the Orange.

Syracuse hounded the offensive glass, grabbing 16 offensive rebounds on the day and capitalizing on second chance points.

The Orange also forced 27 total turnovers, showing an increase in defensive tenacity throughout the contest.

The Orange saw areas for improvement as well. Syracuse committed 23 turnovers and was dismal from beyond the arc, going 0-16. 

Darius emphasized how Syracuse will adapt as the season ramps up.

“We just gotta go on to the next play,” Darius said. “See what we can do better and then we’ll all watch some film and see how we can improve.”

The Orange travel down south to play SMU on Sunday. This will be the first ACC matchup of the season for the Orange.