Orange Claws Back To Defeat Binghamton

Saturday, December 30

Binghamton, N.Y.

1 p.m.

Syracuse University

Binghamton

Nicole Michael posted her fifth 20-point game of the year.

12/30/2006 3:21:36 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Binghamton, N.Y. – The Orange ended the 2006 year in jubilation, defeating Binghamton 68-65 Saturday. Syracuse used a late run to claim the victory in its final non-conference game of the season.

Freshman Nicole Michael led the Orange with 21 points and junior center Vaida Sipaviciute added 14 points and six rebounds. Sophomore forward Lina Lisnere had a strong contribution in her first game of the season. She scored eight points, pulled down four rebounds and added three assists and a career-best four steals. Lisnere missed SU’s first 13 games of the season due to a foot injury.

The Orange (7-7) was sparked by the return of Lisnere in the first half. She hit an early 3-point basket to get the SU offense going. Trailing 13-12, Syracuse used an 18-5 run to gain a 30-18 advantage. Michael capped the run with a 3-point basket as the Orange gained its largest lead of the game at 12 points.

The Bearcats (3-9) fought back and scored the half’s final six points to pull within four at 36-32 at the intermission. The Orange shot 40.6 percent (13-32) during the opening half, including 7-of-17 (41.2 percent) from 3-point range. Binghamton connected on 50 percent (13-26) of its field goals during the first half. Michael led the Orange with seven points and Lisnere added six points in addition to three steals and two assists in the opening period.

The Orange stretched its lead to six points to open the second half before the Bearcats took advantage on the offensive glass to reclaim the lead. Binghamton converted offensive rebounds into baskets on consecutive possessions to take a 43-42 advantage. The Bearcats expanded its lead to as many as six points at 54-48.

The Orange clawed back and trailing 60-55, SU scored 11-consecutive points to reclaim the lead at 66-60. Michael scored five points and Lisnere and sophomore point guard Cintia Johnson converted on fastbreak layups during the stretch to give the Orange the advantage. Syracuse forced five Binghamton miscues and the Bearcats missed all four of its field goals during the stretch.

Binghamton responded with a run of its own and scored five-consecutive points to cut the SU lead to 66-65. After a Syracuse shot clock violation with 25.8 seconds remaining, Binghamton had a chance to win the game but turned the ball over on an errant pass. Michael connected on two free throws with 12.9 seconds remaining to give the Orange a three-point advantage. Syracuse played strong defense on the final possession and Binghamton could not get off a potential game-tying shot.

Syracuse connected on 42.1 percent (24-57) of its shots while the Bearcats hit 46.3 percent (25-54) of their field goals. Syracuse posted 10 steals and forced 16 Binghamton turnovers. Laine Kurpniece led the Bearcats with 16 points

The Orange looks to continue its winning way as SU resumes BIG EAST play on Wednesday. Syracuse will travel to Marquette for an 8 p.m. tip-off.