Syracuse Hands Fairleigh Dickinson its First Loss with 77-58 Win

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse women’s basketball team dominated Fairleigh Dickinson University in the paint, outscoring the Knights 40-6 and cruising to their second win of the season with a 77-58 victory at the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday, Nov. 17.  

These teams last met in November 2012. Syracuse improved to 3-0 all-time against FDU and 2-2 on the season. Syracuse has won 28 of their last 29 home games against non-conference opponents. The Knights fell to 4-1. 

The Orange went on a 10-0 run during the game’s first three minutes. Syracuse shot 53% from the field, 44% from three, and outscored FDU 25-16 in the opening quarter. 

In the second quarter, the Orange struggled to add to their lead. They shot 35% from the field, made only one three-pointer, and led 40-30 at halftime. 

The third quarter was Syracuse’s best. Five minutes into the quarter, Syracuse went on a 16-7 run to take a 56-37 lead. The Orange were 10 of 15 from the field, 2 of 3 from three-point range, and outscored the Knights 23-11. Syracuse led 63-41 heading into the final quarter, their largest lead.

The Orange played a cleaner game, committing only five turnovers compared to the 21 they had in the loss against St. Joseph’s University on Nov. 10. They scored 16 points off FDU turnovers.

Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack said she looks forward to the rest of the season. 

“I think we have a really good team, a solid team. We don’t have any special players. This team could be really special,” Legette-Jack said. 

Eleven Syracuse players scored, and three finished the game in double figures. Senior forward Kyra Wood scored 12 points, and sophomore guard Sophie Burrows had 11 points. Graduate student Izabel Varejao scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds. The Orange had 30 points off the bench and 15 second chance points. 

The Syracuse Orange will conclude their five-game homestand at the JMA Wireless Dome on Wednesday, Nov. 20, when they take on UAlbany at 7 p.m.