Dyaisha Fair Surpasses 3,000 Career Points in Syracuse’s Comeback Victory Against Clemson

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – On a historic day for guard Dyaisha Fair, Syracuse would not be denied. 

Although the Orange trailed by as many as 19 points, Syracuse mounted a monstrous second-half rally to beat Clemson 83-82. This was the greatest comeback under head coach Felisha Legette-Jack. 

To make this win even more special, Fair became the 16th player in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history to achieve the 3,000 career points milestone.

“Today was even more special with Dyaisha Fair,” Legette-Jack said. “Someone said she was 5’4”, but they forgot to measure her heart.”

Dyaisha Fair drives to the basket after receiving a screen from Alyssa Latham. In addition to scoring 21 points, Fair dished four assists, grabbed two rebounds, and had two steals. Photos by Jalyss Agosto.

After a disappointing two points in the first half, Fair delivered with 19 second-half points including 14 in the fourth quarter. The outburst started when Fair hit a big three to end the third, and the momentum shifted in Syracuse’s favor.

“It was a bit of a struggle for me in the first half,” Fair said. “I just kept going forward, kept trying. Whatever my best effort was, that’s what it would have resulted in…but when that shot went down, it just allowed me to breathe a little different.”

Facing a double-digit deficit with 6:31 left in the game, the Orange went on a 14-0 run to take the lead for the first time. Fair scored or assisted on all points during this stretch, which included a key free-throw that gave her 3,000 career points.

Clemson would continue to persist, as forward Amari Robinson scored a career-high 37 points. With 25 points in the second-half, including 15 in the fourth quarter, Robinson made major baskets to keep the Tigers afloat.

In the final minutes, junior forward Kyra Wood hit two and-one buckets to extend Syracuse’s advantage to four. After Robinson managed to tie the game, sophomore guard Kennedi Perkins made a crucial layup to retake the lead with under a minute to go. Out of the timeout, Robinson hit a huge three to give Clemson a one-point lead with 30 seconds left.

Time winding down, Fair drove and passed the ball to freshman forward Alyssa Latham for an open layup with seven seconds left. On the final possession, the Orange defensive intensity would be enough to remain perfect at home this season.

Syracuse heads back on defense, where Clemson only grabbed two offensive rebounds as a team in the fourth quarter. The Orange had 11.

Latham finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Even though 12 of her 14 came in the first half, Latham’s only bucket in the second came at the most crucial moment of the game.

“I think what really led to that was just staying ready the whole game,” Latham said. “Doing the little things, staying focused, staying composed because you never know when it’s going to be your turn.”

Senior guard Alaina Rice scored 16 points, to go along with two assists and six rebounds. As a team, Syracuse grabbed 21 offensive rebounds, including five from Wood, to complete the comeback.

Alaina Rice shoots over Clemson center Eno Inyang. Rice was 3-4 from three-point range and her timely shots contributed immensely to the victory.

Ball pressure was essential in this game, as both teams combined for a total of 40 turnovers. On the perimeter, junior guard Georgia Woolley had six steals while also putting up 14 points, grabbing four rebounds and dishing five assists. 

“Georgia is a most incredible defensive, energetic, enthusiastic player,” coach Legette-Jack said. “I told her she’s the toughest player I have ever coached.”

As Fair’s teammate at Syracuse and Buffalo, Woolley knows this team feeds through her and knew she was capable of reaching 3,000 career points.

“It’s not even a surprise, “ Woolley said. “I expect it…she’s a phenomenal player and just all credit to her, she put in all the work to be who she is.”

Georgia Woolley dribbles the ball while being defended by Clemson guard Mackenzie Kramer. Woolley had two steals off in-bound plays and recorded six steals overall against the Tigers for the second straight season.

Fair will be celebrated during the team’s next game for her place on the women’s college basketball all-time points list. 

“I’ve been told just recently that I need to start to celebrate myself,” Fair said. “That’s what I’m going to do.”

Syracuse was ranked No. 25 in the USA Today Coaches Poll for the first time this season.

At 14-2 and 4-1 in ACC play, the Orange will play the ranked Seminoles at home Thursday night. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. Florida State was ranked No. 15 in the AP Top 25 and No. 18 in the USA Today poll.