The Orange pick up another double-digit win to bounce back after their first loss.
After their first loss of the season to Michigan, Syracuse quickly regrouped with a 78-62 win over Howard to stay perfect at home. It took the Orange some time to settle in, leaving the crowd waiting for more than three minutes before the first field goal finally dropped.
“I thought we were being too casual. That’s not who we are. You get one chance to show one kid who came to the game for the first time what it looks like to play women’s basketball. And we missed those few minutes,” Coach Felicia Leggette-Jack said.
Once Syracuse found a rhythm, it took full control. Syracuse scored on seven straight possessions to close the first quarter and never trailed again. Dominant defense fueled the turnaround and created easy offense.
Uche Izoje delivered a standout performance with 20 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks, anchoring the interior on both ends. It was a balanced effort that carried the day alongside Izoje. Syracuse shot 50% from the field and had 14 players see the floor.
“We don’t have a go to player, we have a go to team,” Coach Leggette-Jack said.
Four players scored double figures, and Angelica Velez orchestrated the offense with nine assists, one shy of her season high.
“We like to play with pace and it’s my job to find our bigs and shooters. Moving forward we have to keep pushing the pace and make the right play,” Velez said.
They’ll have to keep that intensity up with their toughest home test yet in SEC/ACC Challenge against Auburn on Wednesday.