Syracuse Women's Basketball Dominates in ACC Opener Against SMU

The Syracuse women's basketball team claimed victory in their ACC opener against SMU, winning 78-69 on Sunday afternoon at Moody Coliseum in Dallas. Sophie Burrows led the scoring with 22 points, including five 3-pointers and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line.

The Orange began the game with an explosive first quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 25-9 and maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the match. Despite a late-game effort from SMU that saw them narrow the deficit to 65-56 on a jumper by Kyla Deck with 5:21 remaining, Syracuse held their ground.

Journey Thompson made key contributions late in the game, scoring six points in the final quarter. Freshman center Uche Izoje shone defensively, recording a career-high eight blocks, while Texas transfer Laila Phelia added 19 points on 8-for-17 shooting.

The second quarter was slower-paced, yet Syracuse still held a 39-24 advantage at halftime. Four players scored in double figures for the Orange: Burrows with 22, Phelia with 19, Thompson with 10, and Dominique Darius with 13.

With this win, Syracuse improved to 8-1 overall and 1-0 in the ACC. The Orange will return home to face Colgate on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome.