Mangakahia hits first triple-double in program history, scores 34 in win over UNC

Mangakahia scores 34 against UNC for triple-double

Tiana Mangakahia scored 34 points and had 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Published: January 14, 2019
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Junior guard Tiana Mangakahia shoots a free throw Sunday afternoon against the University of North Carolina women's basketball team inside the Carrier Dome on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. Mangakahia made 8 of 9 free throw attempts, contributing to her first career triple-double.

Junior guard Tiana Mangakahia scored a season-high 34 points to lead the Orange to its eighth-straight victory and third-straight conference win over North Carolina, 90-77.

It seemed like every time one looked, Mangakahia was pulling up to shoot. She finished with first career triple-double Sunday afternoon after the 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

While the team started slowly and didn’t hit their first shot until about two and a half minutes in, they took off and finished with a 56-33 lead over the Tar Heels (9-8, 0-3) at halftime. The Orange (14-2, 3-0) hit 12 three-point shots, setting a new halftime record.

Syracuse’s tough defense paid off, helping the team score 19 points off of turnovers while the Tar Heels only scored a game-total of four. The Tar Heels tried to catch up in the second half, going on a 40-34 run, but ultimately could not outdo the Orange.

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Syracuse Orange fans cheer on the women's basketball team against the North Carolina Tar Heels inside the Carrier Dome Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. There were 4,982 people in attendance; the second-largest crowd this season.

One of Syracuse’s leading scorers Miranda Drummond finished with 13 points, three rebounds and four steals. Digna Strautmane also scored in double digits with 14 points and four rebounds.

Paris Kea of the Tar Heels scored a team-high 22 points and six rebounds, and Taylor Koenen had a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

The Orange will attempt to continue their streak in Pittsburgh on Thursday when they face off against the Lady Panthers.