Syracuse Women to Prioritize Defense After Allowing 84 Points in Consecutive Games
Back-to-Back High-Scoring Games Force Reevaluation
Syracuse women's basketball has been struggling on the defensive end as of late. They have allowed 84 points in back-to-back games, which has forced them to reassess their defensive strategy.Wake Forest Upsets Syracuse 84-82 in Overtime
The Orange suffered a heartbreaking 84-82 overtime loss to Wake Forest on Jan. 29. Despite a strong performance by Teisha Hyman, who had 26 points and 9 rebounds, Syracuse couldn’t overcome a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Wake Forest’s Jewel Spear led all scorers with a career-high 28 points, including making 6 of 8 three-point attempts.
Syracuse Routs by Florida State 90-76
In their most recent game, Syracuse was routed by No. 19 Florida State 90-76. Alaina Rice led Syracuse with 23 points, but the Orange were no able to keep pace with the Seminoles' high-powered offense. Eight Seminoles scored in double figures, led by Makayla Timpson, who had 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Defensive Adjustments in Focus for Syracuse
After allowing a combined 168 points in two games, Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack knows defensive adjustments must be made. "We're going to have to take a hard look at our defense," Legette-Jack said. "We're not getting the stops we need to be getting. We're giving up too many easy baskets."
The Orange will look to improve their defensive communication and intensity. They will also work on closing out on shooters and contesting shots more effectively. Legette-Jack knows that defense will be key to success in the second half of the season.
Road Test for New Defensive Strategy
Syracuse will get an opportunity to test out their new defensive strategy on Sunday, Feb. 5, when they travel to face Boston College. The Eagles are averaging 71.4 points per game this season, so they will provide a good test for the Orange defense. A win could boost the teams confidence with this new defensive strategy.
