The SU women’s basketball team rolls past Albany, 76-59

The Orange looked comfortable in the Carrier Dome once again on Sunday. SU took advantage of the home crowd (third largest in school history) and wore down the Great Danes. Syracuse went down early in the game but quickly woke up and wrestled the lead back from Albany. The Orange entered halftime up 40-33 and never looked back.

Syracuse forced 23 turnovers, typical for the defensive-minded squad, but its efficiency from the field was more important. SU shot almost 40 percent from the floor and drained eight three-pointers. The defense did its job, holding Albany to just 18 percent shooting from behind the arc.

Guards Alexis Peterson and Brittney Sykes were the stars of the show again for the Orange. Peterson scored 22 points and led all players with six assists. Sykes had a game-high 24 points and 5 steals. Backup center Bria Day contributed 10 rebounds in 28 big minutes off the bench. Albany senior Shereesha Richards did all she could to keep the Great Danes in it. Richards produced 23 points and hauled in 14 rebounds, but her performance wasn't enough.

Syracuse will take on top-seeded South Carolina Friday at 7 p.m. (Eastern) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This game gives SU a chance for revenge, since South Carolina knocked ‘Cuse out of the tournament last year.