Uncasville, CT – Syracuse women’s basketball made a statement Friday night, defeating Utah 61–49 in a physical matchup that tested the Orange’s identity and toughness.
Facing a Utes squad that reached the national tournament last season, Syracuse proved it could win through defense and discipline, despite Utes efforts to push the ball in transition.
“I did hear the coach multiple times tell them to go,’” said Laila Phelia, who finished with 14 points. “Just hearing that we had to keep up with it. Our defense won us that game. We played Syracuse basketball.”
After a slow first half, Dominique Darius sparked a second-half surge that helped the Orange seize control. Darius led the way with a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists, setting the tone on both ends. Uche Izoje added 10 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, coming up just short of a double-double while anchoring the defense.
Head coach Felisha Legette-Jack credited her team’s rebounding and unity.
“We believe that offensive rebounding has nothing to do with skill, it’s about who you’re trying to become,” she said. “We’re just trying to see it through every second, every minute, every hour. We’re trying to get one percent better.”
Against Utah, Syracuse did exactly that.