By Syracuse Athletics
Syracuse, N.Y. — A strong second quarter and 27 points from senior guard Dyaisha Fair propelled Syracuse women’s basketball to a 91-77 road victory against Clemson on Sunday afternoon.
Five Orange finished with double-digit scoring. Along with Fair tying her season high for points, Teisha Hyman and Georgia Woolley both added 14 points. Woolley also contributed a season-high six steals.
The front court duo of Dariauna Lewis and Asia Strong also hit double figures, as Lewis scored 12 and Strong added 13.
Syracuse outrebounded Clemson, 50-34. The Orange also recorded 23 second-chance points, compared to the Tigers’ 10.
HOW IT WAS DECIDED
The second quarter began with Clemson (11-6, 2-3 ACC) maintaining a slight edge over Syracuse (12-4, 3-2), 27-20.
A 7-0 run from the Orange drew the score level, as Fair hit a 3-pointer at the 8:51 mark of the second quarter. The Tigers restored their seven-point advantage with a 9-2 run.
After the media timeout, Syracuse dominated the closing moments of the first half. A mid-range jumper from Fair with 5:09 left in the half sparked a 16-1 run for Syracuse, allowing coach Felisha Legette-Jack‘s team to take an eight-point lead into the locker room.
The Tigers staged a rally in the fourth quarter, utilizing a 10-0 run to cut the Syracuse lead to four with 4:12 left in the game. The Orange secured the win with a 10-2 run, as Strong converted two free throws for the last points of the game.
”It felt great to come together as one,” Legette-Jack said after the game. “When no one cares who gets the credit, anything can happen. Five kids in double figures. Georgia Woolley was amazing. Teisha Hyman showed all the naysayers that she is our true point guard and she can handle her business. So proud of her.”
TENACIOUS TIGERS
Utilizing a half court press, Clemson was able to stifle the Syracuse offense, limiting the Orange to a 14% 3-point field-goal percentage in the first quarter. The Tigers also created five turnovers in the first 10 minutes, allowing the hosts to jump to a 27-20 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Syracuse flipped the script on the aggressive Tigers. The Orange outscored Clemson, 25-10, in the second. Syracuse tightened their defensive playing, limiting Clemson to a 4-17 shooting performance and a 14% 3-point field goal percentage.
SU capitalized, going on a 16-1 run to take a 45-37 lead into the second half.
OWNING THE GLASS
Syracuse’s aggressive and consistent rebounding was a difference maker against the Tigers. The Orange registered 50 rebounds, 16 more than Clemson’s 34. Lewis and Strong both led SU on the glass, as each had 10 rebounds. Hustle on the offensive glass paid off, as the Orange grabbed 21 offensive rebounds compared to the host’s 13.
The effort on the offensive glass led to 23 second-chance points for Syracuse.
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- Five Orange recorded double-digits for the first time since Jan. 30 against Pittsburgh.
- The 91 points are the most scored against Clemson in program history.
- Fair tied her Syracuse high for points with 27.
- Woolley recorded six steals
- Strong and Lewis recorded double-doubles
UP NEXT
Syracuse stays on the road for a matchup against Boston College on Thursday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will be streamed live ACC Network Extra.
MORE ORANGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
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Second-half surge lifts Syracuse women past Pittsburgh in ACC clash (photos)
Syracuse women’s basketball box score vs. Pittsburgh
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