Relentless Maryland offense overpowers Syracuse

Inconsistent play has plagued Syracuse the first two games, and it returned here. In a big way, just like it did against Saint Joseph’s on Sunday.

Despite a late-game surge, No. 11 Maryland’s relentless offense proved too much for Syracuse as they downed the Orange 84-73. 

Syracuse played a well-rounded first quarter, springboarded by eight straight for Senior Georgia Wooley. Issues that the team saw on Sunday against Saint Joseph’s were still present, but the Orange defense and offense worked well. SU shot 50%, while Maryland shot at a mere 31.3%. 

SU’s second-quarter struggles continued, and they suffered a meltdown, scoring the lowest number of points in a quarter all year at 11. With just over eight minutes remaining in the second, the Orange sat in the driver’s seat, leading 24-14. However, the Terrapins took total control of the game, going on a 28-7 run into halftime, putting themselves up 42-31. 

“It’s a matter of who has the run last, and they got the run last,” Syracuse Women’s Basketball Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack said.

The second half saw a resilient effort from the Orange, who clawed back to within four points. Yet, Maryland’s offensive juggernaut couldn’t be stopped. A mix of Syracuse’s defensive lapses, second-chance baskets, and crucial fouls kept the Terrapins in command.

Maryland and Syracuse went back and forth the entire quarter, but the Terrapins would pull away and seal the game with an 11-point victory.

Foul trouble haunted Syracuse, especially for Center Izabel Varejão, who fouled out with three minutes remaining, just as the Orange found their rhythm. With the team amassing 18 fouls, Maryland capitalized at the free-throw line, scoring 20 points compared to Syracuse’s ten attempts at the line.

“After the third foul, I should’ve taken her out. So early in the third quarter, and she hasn’t had any rhythm, We gambled and lost,” Coach Legette-Jack said, “If I could have that moment over, I would’ve taken her out after the third.”

Three players saw the court for over 35 minutes versus Maryland. One surprising exemption of this was Dominique Camp, who didn’t see the floor till the second half.

“She didn’t practice that well, she didn’t earn it,“ Coach Legette-Jack said, “You don’t give a kid something she doesn’t earn. She earned the right to play the second half.”

One of the players out beyond 35 minutes was Wooley, who finished leading the Orange in scoring with 17. Close behind was Forward Kyra Wood with 16 points and 11 rebounds. 

After a disappointing loss to an opponent they believed they should have beaten three days ago, the Cuse undoubtedly views today’s strong play as a better reflection of their team. It’s only game three, and the Orange have a lot of time to right the ship.

“Stay with us, we’re a young team,” Coach Legette-Jack said, “If you stay with us, I promise you will see us get better.”

They hope a mentality like this will keep the ship steady as they look toward their next test against Fairleigh Dickinson University on Sunday, November 17th.