
SCORE: Syracuse 66, Miami 61
LOCATION: JMA Dome- Syracuse, N.Y.
RECORDS: Syracuse 7-9, 1-4 ACC | Miami 11-5, 1-4 ACC
Short Story
The Syracuse Orange survive a “Miami Hurricane” at the JMA Dome. The Orange win defeat Miami 66-61 to get there first ACC conference win.
How It Happened
“The focus is always us! We are always trying to improve this team, and take steps in the right direction.” Syracuse Guard, Angelica Velez post game comments following the 66-61 victory over the Miami Hurricanes.

Story Written By: Azarr Johnson
Coming into Sunday’s game both teams were going through similar struggles. The Canes were coming into the game looking for a win after losing three straight. With the most recent being to Virginia Tech 68-64. Miami had not had a win since December 20th in Hawaii against Oregon st.
Syracuse was also going through similar struggles. As they were also going through a three game losing streak. They lost their previous game in overtime to SMU. When the game started both teams were playing hard. Miami was playing a fast uptempo offensive game, but they were also making mistakes.
Syracuse came out with the same intensity but more on the defense end. The Orange defense even with a zone was giving Miami fits. They never got into rhythm. Cuse was physical, and fast on both ends of the court. It showed in the game as the Hurricanes never had a lead the whole first half or game for that matter.

The closest the Canes got to taking a lead is when the game first started, and they trailed 6-5. The Orange ended the first period with a 17-12 lead. Then created their biggest lead midway through the second with a ten point lead (31-21). They were seeming to have a grip on that lead. Darrione Rodgers who would be the hot hand for the Canes, hit a jumper to cut the lead going into halftime 31-23.
For the first half the Orange outscored the Canes in almost every category. In the paint, second chance points, fast breaks, and of course in both periods. Wooley was leading the charge with seven, and it was looking like the Orange were going to pull away. Once the second half started Miami came out swinging. The Canes cut the lead to three 33-30. Forcing the Orange to call a timeout, and to regroup. The Orange responded, putting the lead back up to seven (37-30).

Syracuse continued their run, creating a bigger lead by the end of the period. They were up by 12 (50-38). Mainly behind their defense and the play of Kyra Wood who led the team with 14. Going into the fourth the Orange picked up right where they left off defensively. Syracuse held Miami scoreless until around the seven minute mark of the game 52-40. Once again it was looking like they were going to put this game away. The Canes did not quit. By the mid part of the fourth they had cut the lead to seven (52-45), and had cut it all the way to four (56-52) with 2:16 left.
Darrion Rodgers’ play in the second half was keeping the Canes in this game. All the way down to the wire. She had finished the game with 23 points, and seven three pointers. Miami had outscored them in the fourth 23-16. With that being said it was not enough!
With Burrows, Wooley and Wood all making clutch shots at the end of the game to seal the victory. This victory snapped their three game losing streak. For Kyra Wood who has been injured, and was the leading scorer with 18 stated how happy she was not only to be playing, but also expressed how difficult it was to watch the team lose and not be on the floor with them.
“It was hard for me to sit and watch some of those close games go down without me out there. I rather lose with them out there. Than lose on the bench, and feel helpless.” – Kyra Wood Post Game Comments

Key Statistics
- Syracuse biggest lead of the game was 14 points.
- Cuse dominated in the paint 36-22.
- The Orange would shoot 56% from the field in the 3rd quarter.
- Kyra Wood notched 18 points, and 10 rebounds. in 20 minutes of play.
- Georgia Woolley surpassed the 1,500-point mark for her career.
What’s Next For Syracuse
Even though the Orange are at the bottom of the conference they are only two games under .500( 7-9) and healthy and playing lights out. Their next test up is with second place Lousiville at the KFC, YUM center, stay tuned!
Photo Gallery
All photo’s were taken by @Sonofajones. All images are free to download!

















































