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Duke outperforms Syracuse Women’s Basketball in ACC home opener

Duke outperforms SU Women’s Basketball in ACC home opener

Despite strong defensive play, the Orange can’t keep pace with the Blue Devils after the first quarter.

Published: December 30, 2025
Syracuse guard Laila Phelia protects the ball against Duke guard Taina Mair in the paint on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Photo by Matthew Crisafulli
Syracuse guard Laila Phelia tries to protect the ball against Duke guard Taina Mair in the paint on Sunday at the JMA Wireless Dome.

After a strong early-season showing against non-conference oppoenents, Syracuse women’s basketball found the start to ACC play as formidable as ever.

Duke defeated the Orange 71-51 on Sunday during the conference home opener at the JMA Wireless Dome.

Syracuse guard Angelica Velez looks for an open gap against a tough Duke defense at the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025.
Photo by Matthew Crisafulli
Syracuse guard Angelica Velez looks for an open gap against a tough Duke defense at the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday.

Syracuse matched Duke’s intensity early, with junior guard Sophie Burrows recording three steals and freshman center Uche Izoje blocking two shots as both teams battled to a 14-14 tie after the first quarter.

Syracuse’s offense stalled in the second period, allowing Duke to build an 11-point halftime advantage at 33-22. Graduate student guard Dominique Darius led the Orange with five points in the quarter on her way to a team-leading 18 points for the game.

The Syracuse bench gets fired up after guard Dominique Darius converts an and-one against Duke on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Photo by Matthew Crisafulli
The SU bench gets fired up after guard Dominique Darius converts a shot while being fouled.
Syracuse forward Aurora Almon battles with Duke center Arianna Roberson for a rebound on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Photo by Matthew Crisafulli
Syracuse forward Aurora Almon battles with Duke center Arianna Roberson for a rebound on Sunday.

The Orange regained some momentum after halftime, however, couldn’t close the gap as Duke extended its lead in the final two periods on its way to a 20-point win.

Burrows tied her career high with five steals, while Darius reached double figures for the ninth time this season.

The Orange (11-2, 1-1 in ACC) play host to Florida State on Thursday for a 6 p.m. tipoff at the JMA Wireless Dome.