Syracuse Women’s Basketball claims a historic win over Wagner

Syracuse women’s basketball was in complete control in its 78-29 victory against Wagner on Sunday. The win was highlighted by the Orange making history on defense. It was the first time SU held its opponent to under 30 points since December 14, 2014, against NC Central.

The defensive presence was evident from tipoff; SU allowed only four points in the first quarter and 2-15 from the field. Following the opening bucket of the game, Wagner was outscored 22-2 by Syracuse.

“We started off really hot, our energy was really good from the jump,” forward Jasmyn Cooper said. “And it just trickled down the roster to help us get the big win.”

The forwards played a big role in Syracuse’s domination on the defensive end. SU outrebounded Wagner 55-34 and forced 23 turnovers. Cooper didn’t know she was getting the nod to start tonight. 

“I don’t think I was notified, just found out,” Cooper said. “[I was] just staying ready and when I was called upon, decided to show up.” 

Cooper made her first career start for Syracuse this afternoon, scoring three points. Cooper was one of 14 Syracuse players to score, with all 15 playing. One of those to play and score was sophomore guard Olivia Schmitt.

“Coming into this game, we knew we needed to make a statement, and I think we did so today,” Schmitt said.

The performance was a strong rebound from Syracuse’s last time out when they gave up 72 points to Canisius last Tuesday.  Schmitt, who’s been battling an injury, made her first appearance of the season. The Guard knocked down two threes, going 2-4 from beyond the arc. Schmitt appreciates how head coach Felish Legette-Jack has helped her deal with injury.

“Coach Jack always tells everyone: stay ready so you don’t have to get ready,” Schmitt said. “…being ready for them [teammates] helps me stay ready aswell.”

While the defense was stellar throughout the game, the offense also stepped up its performance. Syracuse made eight threes against Wagner, two more than in its last three games. Schmitt credits the team’s energy, building off each other.

“Honestly, we focused more on getting it to the bigs and them kicking it out to us and just spacing,” Schmitt said. “But if you’re willing to get in there and take the shots that are open to make, that energy is gonna combine and we’re all just gonna wanna shoot and make threes.”

For Legette-Jack, it’s the first time in three years Syracuse has gotten out to a 4-0 start. However, coach Jack isn’t satisfied yet.

“We got better a little bit, but we got a long way to go,” Legette-Jack said. “We got a stubborn Utah team to face coming up soon.”

Syracuse travesl to Connecticut to take on Utah on Friday. The Orange will partake in the 12th annual Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase. Legette-Jack knows that this team won’t let up

“There is no time for us to feel like we’ve done something until we finish,” Legette-Jack said. “We don’t finish in November, we finish in April.”