It’s been a tough time for Cuse hoops fans
The Syracuse Orange basketball teams are still seeking their first ACC win of the 2024-25 season.
Unlike the men, we expected that the Syracuse women (6-8, 0-3) would take a step back from last year’s NCAA Tournament team after the departures of Dyaisha Fair and Alyssa Latham. Add to that a much stronger ACC and it looks like a long season ahead for the team.
Last week the Orange dropped two road games: 85-68 at #13 Georgia Tech and 85-73 at Florida State. In the Georgia Tech game, Syracuse let the game get away in the second quarter when the Yellow Jackets forced five turnovers and grabbed four offensive rebounds. This allowed them to get a 14-4 advantage in the paint and a 13-point halftime lead. Syracuse held their own in the other three quarters, but one bad stretch has been a common theme this year.
Georgia Woolley led the way with 22 points, but on 7-19 shooting, and Kyra Wood added 12.
At Florida State, the Orange had to play without Wood but they entered the half with a 35-32 lead thanks to their bench, which scored 15 of their 20 points in the second quarter. Unfortunately, the Seminoles took control with a 28-17 third quarter and completed the basketball sweep.
Sophia Burrows led Syracuse with 14 points. Both Journey Thompson (13) and Maddie Potts (11) scored double-digits off the bench while Georgia Woolley struggled with a 2-16 shooting performance and 9 turnovers. Woolley’s scoring is up this year, but against ACC opponents she’s going to continue to see a lot of defensive attention.
Can the younger Orange players continue to step up and take on some of the scoring? This team needs Woolley driving the offense, but others can contribute and it’s on the staff to find the right balance.
Syracuse is back in action on Thursday night when they welcome SMU to the JMA Dome for a 10:30 am School Day game (ACCNX/WatchESPN).