Syracuse closes regular season with commanding victory over Boston College
Syracuse closes regular season with commanding victory over Boston College
Syracuse avenges 41-point loss to Boston College with decisive Senior Day victory.
Syracuse suffered its worst season loss in January, falling 92-51 to Boston College. This time, the Orange responded emphatically, holding the Eagles to just 32% shooting and forcing 21 turnovers in a commanding 82-57 win on Senior Day.
After Boston College had dominated their first matchup, head coach Felicia Legette-Jack emphasized the importance of bouncing back.
“It was personal,” Legette-Jack said. “It’s important that we get tougher – and I have to be a tougher coach.”
Senior guard Georgia Woolley led Syracuse with 19 points and six assists, consistently finding open teammates inside.
“I’m starting to see the game a little bit more and learn how they’re guarding me,” Woolley said. “The reason I’ve got more assists is just taking a step back to see what the defense is doing.”
After allowing the game’s first basket, the Orange responded with nine unanswered points, forcing Boston College to call a timeout less than four minutes into the game. The Eagles briefly cut into the deficit, but a series of fouls and turnovers slowed their momentum.
Senior forward Kyra Wood took advantage of the game’s high tempo, consistently positioning herself for easy baskets off passes or offensive rebounds. Syracuse ended the first quarter leading 19-10.
“It was harped on us that we need to go out here and be dominant and show them whose court it is, whose house it is, and all that,” Wood said.
Wood started the second quarter on the bench, but senior forward Saniaa Wilson quickly made her presence felt, scoring Syracuse’s first six points. Contributions from Woolley, sophomore guard Sophie Burrows, and freshman guard Olivia Schmitt helped SU extend its lead to 21 points with over five minutes remaining in the half.
Syracuse continued to dominate inside, repeatedly finding success through Woolley’s drives and quick decision-making. Whether scoring herself or setting up teammates, Woolley dictated the offense. The Orange entered halftime with a 25-point lead.
Boston College’s Teya Sidberry opened the second half with a three-pointer, but the Eagles struggled to mount a comeback. Despite full-court pressure, Syracuse maintained control, leading by 27 at the end of the third quarter.
With just over two minutes remaining, Legette-Jack gave her seniors a final curtain call, prompting a standing ovation from the Dome crowd.
“These young ladies are bigger than the game,” she said. “[I’m] so grateful to coach them, so humbled by what they’ve become.”
Following the win, the seniors gathered at center court for a postgame ceremony, celebrating their time with the program.
“It’s just a moment to celebrate us, and celebrate us being here at the same time as Coach Jack and forming relationships that’ll be lifelong,” Wood said.
Syracuse enters the postseason with a two-game winning streak and plenty of momentum. The Orange will face Boston College again on Wednesday in the first round of the ACC Tournament, with tip-off set for 1 p.m.