Syracuse survives late surge from Clemson on the shoulders of Sophie Burrows
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse women’s basketball picked up its 11th ACC win of the season behind a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double from Sophie Burrows. The 68-64 win over Clemson puts the Orange third in the ACC.
“What a gutsy performance that was by our team,” head coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. “I just really enjoy watching them figure it out. This is a microcosm of life. It’s my responsibility to help young people grow so they can figure out this life thing. I’m just so proud of the young ladies beside me.”
The double-double was Burrows’ first of the season and third of her career. Her 16 rebounds shattered her previous career high of 10.
“I just wanted to come in and try to impact the game in ways that wasn’t just scoring,” Burrows said. “Whether that was defense or offensive rebounds today, that was kind of my goal.”
Syracuse held Clemson scoreless for the first 3:34 of the game. The Orange took a 17-12 lead into the first quarter break, with all starters contributing multiple points or assists.
“One of the most special parts about our team is that we’re so deep,” Burrows said. “We have five people on the court constantly who can score and play defense.”
The Tigers picked up the pace in the second quarter, nearly matching the Orange bucket for bucket. Burrows’ 11 rebounds throughout the first half helped Syracuse maintain control of the game, and the Orange took a 34-28 lead into halftime.
“I think a lot of times rebounding is just the effort to go and get it,” Burrows said. “If they’re not going to box me out, then I’m going to try to get in there and help out the bigs a little bit on the glass.”
Laila Phelia came alive in the third quarter to help Syracuse stay in front 53-48. She finished the game with 17 points after combining for just eight over the last two matchups. She credited her teammates for the bounce-back performance.
“I definitely couldn’t have done it without them,” Phelia said. “Just them having my back and constantly staying in my ear regardless of the situation definitely helped me a lot.”
Clemson came out firing to start the fourth quarter, scoring six straight points to take their first lead 54-53 with 6:57 left to play. Burrows ended the run by draining a three to put Syracuse back on top 56-54. The Tigers stayed close, but the Orange never trailed the rest of the game.
Legette-Jack said she knew Burrows would be knocking down shots like that since she started recruiting her.
“When she plays, she’s locked and loaded. Her eyes [Burrows] are very focused on trying to be the best version of herself,” Legette-Jack said. “After she committed to us, she was playing in a tournament in Spain, and I flew over just to watch so she could know that I was really, really, really excited for her to be a part of this team.”
Eight of Burrows’ rebounds came on the offensive end. The Orange had 18 total compared to one for the Tigers. Syracuse continues to lead the ACC in offensive rebounds per game with 17.2, and Legette-Jack says they represent who this team is.
“Through offensive boards, you tell your story,” head coach Legette-Jack said. “You might beat us in a lot of things, but if you beat us in rebounds, that’s just an effort thing. It’s your heart. What do you stand for? What are you fighting for? What are you willing to get thrown out of the gym for? Go for an offensive rebound because that is your commitment to your dream.”
The Orange have a week off before heading to NC State to take on the Wolfpack next Sunday. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.