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Cleaning the glass: Syracuse’s offensive rebounding helps snap losing streak

SU’s offensive rebounding helps snap losing streak

Syracuse women’s basketball snap a two-game losing streak after dominating Fairleigh Dickinson in the paint.

Story by Zachary Kotronis / Photo by Deasia Mears
Published: November 17, 2024
SU vs STJ WBB 11/10
File Photo by Deasia Mears (2024)
Center Izabel Varejão, shown here against St. Joseph’s on Nov. 10, finished tied for the team lead with seven rebounds and scored 10 points against Fairleigh Dickinson.

Syracuse Women’s basketball (2-2) defeated the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights (4-1) at home on Sunday afternoon 77-58. The result means that Syracuse moves to .500 on the season, snapping the Knights’ undefeated start to the season.

The Orange found momentum early, jumping out to a 10-0 lead in the opening three minutes. Kyra Wood and Izabel Varejao helped energize the offense as Syracuse led FDU 20-4 in points in the paint during the first half. That resulted from an onslaught of offensive rebounds, with Syracuse tallying 11 in the first half. 

After an FDU timeout, the visitors returned to the game with three-pointers from Abaigeal Babore and Lilly Parke. FDU’s offense was mainly led by Parke, who totaled 11 first-half points but faced foul trouble early.   

Despite the FDU offense finding some rhythm, the Orange lead was never in real danger. Syracuse finished the game outscoring their opponents 40-6 in the paint. FDU freshman Ava Renninger continued to impress with an 18-point outing (8-13 from the field), but it wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit. 

Syracuse showed no signs of slowing down after halftime, with Georgia Woolley providing a flurry of three-pointers. Transition offense became more of a strong suit for the Orange, courtesy of Woolley’s three assists in the third quarter. Woolley finished with a game-high box plus-minus of 25.

The Orange defense also proved to be resilient throughout the second half. Teneisia Brown, FDU’s leading scorer last season, was limited to just seven points. Steals from Shy Hawkins and a blocked three-point attempt from Saniaa Wilson encapsulated a dominant defensive display. 

“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we’re always going to hold ourselves to a certain standard,” Kyra Wood said. The Syracuse forward had a team-high 12 points and seven rebounds. 

After the game, head coach Felisha Legette-Jack expressed confidence in her roster despite the off-season loss of star player Dyaisha Fair to the WNBA. 

“I don’t think this is a rebuild. If we give the talent a chance to emerge, if we trust ourselves, this team could be the team that really shocks everybody,” Legette-Jack said.  

After two straight defeats, Syracuse improves to 2-2 heading into Wednesday’s home matchup against Albany (3-0). That game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m.