Izoje, Syracuse defense lead Orange past Cornell in 80-48 Win

Uche Izoje saved her best for the final seconds of the first half. With Syracuse already leading 40-12, the returning sophomore center finished a sparkling alley-oop lob at the buzzer, capping a dominant opening 20 minutes and spurring the Orange to another statement win.

Syracuse defeated Cornell 80-48 Sunday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome, improving to 2-0 behind Izoje’s game-high 22 points and eight rebounds. The Orange combined aggressive defense with efficient interior scoring, building a 30-point halftime advantage against the Big Red.

Izoje finished 11-for-14 from the field, improving on a slightly quieter season-opening performance against Sacred Heart, when she scored 16 points on 7-for-19 shooting. Her 18 first-half points against Cornell helped Syracuse establish control early, as the Orange repeatedly found opportunities inside.

Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack said she worked individually with Izoje following the opener, emphasizing her positioning.

“When she’s got squared to the basket, she can score against anybody,” Legette-Jack said.

The Orange’s offensive production was complemented by a defensive effort, continuing a trend from their season-opening victory. Syracuse pressured Cornell throughout the first half, forcing turnovers and creating transition opportunities.

After Cornell briefly tied the game at three, Syracuse responded with a 15-0 run, taking a 21-10 lead after the first quarter. The Orange then held the Big Red to just two points in the second quarter, forcing seven turnovers and limiting Cornell to 1-for-10 shooting.

Syracuse finished with 13 steals and forced 19 turnovers, converting those mistakes into 21 points. The defensive pressure also helped fuel the Orange’s interior attack, with 16 fast-break points and 46 points in the paint.

Junior guard Emely Rodriguez contributed 13 points and three steals, while fifth-year guard Tyi Skinner added 14 points, including three 3-pointers. Both also helped set the defensive tone, with Skinner recording three assists and consistently pushing the pace in transition.

For Rodriguez, that aggressive defense has become a defining part of the team’s identity.

“We had to adjust on defense from the last game,” Rodriguez said. “It was just a mentality that we were gonna punch first and be strong defensively.”

Legette-Jack credited her team’s collective effort, particularly their willingness to create turnovers and get on the floor for loose balls. She pointed to Rodriguez diving on the floor early as an example of the energy she wants the team to maintain.

The Orange also received strong contributions across their frontcourt. Senior Sarah Rambus finished with six points, six rebounds and four blocks, providing another defensive presence alongside Izoje.

Although Syracuse controlled the contest throughout, Cornell found more offensive success after halftime. The Big Red managed 21 fourth-quarter points, with Syracuse outscoring them 38-36 in the matchup’s back half.

Cornell’s improved second-half production did little to threaten Syracuse’s advantage. Freshman Katie Leonard led the Big Red with 15 points, while Audrey Chen added 11.

Legette-Jack, however, said the team cannot become satisfied with a comfortable victory. Syracuse shot 53% from the field but made just six of 19 attempts from beyond the arc.

“Never satisfied,” Legette-Jack said. “There’s always something more you can do.”

The Orange return to the JMA Wireless Dome Wednesday, Nov. 11, against Siena, continuing a four-game homestand to open the season.