The Orange [10] 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 [11]. 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 [12] and Brittney Sykes [13] 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 [14] contributed 10 rebounds in 28 big minutes off the bench. Albany senior Shereesha Richards [15] 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 [16] 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.
