Poor shooting plagued the Syracuse women's basketball team (15-10, 4-7) in their 74-55 loss to No. 2 ranked Notre Dame (24-1, 11-0) on Tuesday night in the Carrier Dome. SU shot 19% from the field in the first half which enabled the FIghting Irish to get off to a quick start with easy transition buckets.
Iasia Hemingway [15] was able to produce a team leading 15 points even though she shot 2 of 13 from the field. Instead, she was able to get to the free throw line which led to 11 points. Hemingway forced the ball to the hoop many times but her numerous efforts either led to turnovers or offensive fouls.
Even with a horrid output of 19 points in the first half, SU was able to make it a game in the second half with an 11-0 run on good ball movement and aggressive defense. SU cut the deficit to 11 points when junior center Kayla Alexander [16] hit a layup and got the foul with 15 minutes remaining. Alexander would finish with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal.
SU would keep the game close on a mix of zone defenses that seemed to confuse the Irish. The strong play of the defense could not withstand fatigue as turnovers and forced shots became the common for SU. Notre Dame took advantage of the sloppy play by reeling off a 15-7 run with five minutes remaining.
The Irish were led by forward Deveraux Peters [17], who had a team high 21 points and 16 rebounds. Kayla McBride [18] chipped in with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting.
The Irish continued their excellent play on the season with another conference win. They are now undefeated in Big East play and sit atop the conference with 11 Big East wins.
SU was looking for their third straight Big East victory but with the loss they are now tied with Providence with four wins in the Big East.
SU will look to bounce back on Saturday in a road game with Louisville.
