Syracuse women’s basketball blown out by Notre Dame

In their first ACC contest of the season, Syracuse loses a Sunday afternoon game to #10 Notre Dame, 93-62. Coming home after a trip to Texas A&M, Cuse was looking for its bounce-back win, but they would not get it. With the loss, Syracuse fell to 4-6 (0-1) on the season. 

Keira Scott, who played very well in the loss, got the Orange going early with a block that led to a Kyra Wood bucket in transition, which gave the Orange the first points of the game. But the Fighting Irish looked to attack a mismatch inside early with a 6'5 Freshman from Ukraine, Kate Koval.

Syracuse looked to counter the early paint attack with Izabel Varejao, who fought well. Koval looked like she would give the Orange a long day, but she was held to 11 points. Nonetheless, other Notre Dame players would begin to give the Orange fits.

"She games from an incredible pedigree, she understands the game, it slows down for her," said Coach Jack. "That's a freshman playing a sixth year, and I thought a 100% Iza would have been even better down there."

Notre Dame had a lot of self-inflicted problems early in the day. They had nine turnovers to Syracuse's three at the end of the first quarter. Also, losing in the offensive rebounding department allowed Syracuse to rack up seven offensive rebounds.

Still, the Fighting Irish found themselves ahead by one point.

Things flipped in the second quarter with the turnover battle and offensive rebounds. Syracuse had seven turnovers to Notre Dame's two and only one offensive rebound to Notre Dame's four. The Orange were also outscored 15-9.

Going into the half, the Irish were up seven, 36-29

"We played really well in the first half. We really thought we were onto something," said Coach Jack. "Then the second half showed its ugly face."

The second half would be a different story from the close game played in the first. Notre Dame opened with a 16-2 run, scoring 29 points in the third quarter alone. By the end of the third, the lead had ballooned to 23 points, 65-42.

"We have to carry over what we did in the first half into the second half," said Georgia Wooley.

Hannah Hidalgo, Olivia Miles, and Sonia Citron completely took over the game, showing why they are one of the best backcourts in the ACC, if not the nation.

Hidalgo finished the game with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Olivia Miles had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. And Sonia Citron finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

Kyra Wood also went out with an injury in the game but should be back in time for the next game against Binghamton.

"Her not being out there just really was troublesome," said Coach Jack. "I'm so grateful that we have this much so she can rest; she's all in. She can play this game at the next level."

But today wasn't all bad for the Orange; Sophie Burrows, who didn't make a shot in the Orange's trip to College Station this past Wednesday, scored 13 points. She also knocked down two shots from behind the arc.

Keira Scott continues to improve. In her last game, she had a career-high of 14; today, she has another career-high of 16.  

"I believe I have to step up and do what my team needs me to do," said Scott. "I don't care that I had 14 or 16; we still didn't win the game. Just need to keep pushing."

The Orange have 10 days before their next game, on the 18th, against Binghamton. This is a much-needed time for recovery and healing. Also, some time may be required for Coach Jack and co. to find a piece of the puzzle that will fit the point guard spot.

Georgia Wooley is not the primary ball-handler, which takes her away from her scoring ability. The Orange did not make a three in the fourth quarter, even though they were down 20+ for most of it.

If the answer does not come this season, it may come next season, as the coaches will spend a portion of this time off on the recruiting trail.