Michael’s Record Setting Day Not Enough For Orange

Saturday, February 3

Carrier Dome - Syracuse, N.Y.

Noon

Syracuse University

Seton Hall

Nicole Michael set three SU records against Seton Hall.

Michael’s Record Setting Day Not Enough For Orange

2/3/2007 2:13:44 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Coach Quentin Hillsman Quotes

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Freshman Nicole Michael posted a career-best 29 points to lead the Orange but Syracuse lost to Seton Hall, 69-59 in a Saturday matinee game at the Carrier Dome. Michael broke her own record for most points by a SU freshman in NCAA competition and she set the school record for free throws made and free throws attempted in a single season.

Michael’s 29 points topped her 26-point performance against Niagara earlier in the season. The 29 points are the most by an SU freshman since the program began competing in the NCAA in 1981-82. Martha Mogish holds the SU freshman mark with 37 points against William Smith in 1978 while the Orange competed in the AIAW.

Michael connected on 10-of-16 field goals and nine-of-nine free throws to score her 29 points. She raised her season totals on the charity stripe to 119 free throws made and 171 free throws attempted, setting the school record in both categories. Her free throws made tops the mark of 118 set by Shannon Perry during the 2001-02 season while her attempts is five more than Kim Dick’s 166 attempts during the 1980-81 season. Dick’s record was the fifth-longest standing record at Syracuse, remaining the standard for 25 years.

Junior Vaida Sipaviciute added 10 points for the Orange, moving into 17th place in school history with 964 career points. Sipaviciute passed Raquel Nurse, who posted 959 points from 1994 to 1998, and Kristyn Cook, who recorded 963 points from 1993 to 1997. Sophomore Cintia Johnson led the team with seven assists.

Both teams struggled on the offensive side to start the contest, combining for 12 turnovers, while making only four-of-19 field goals. The Orange missed its first eight shots of the game before Michael ended the drought from the field, connecting on a layup with 12:37 remaining.

Syracuse (8-15, 2-8 BIG EAST) recovered from its early offensive struggles and eventually found its shooting touch. Trailing14-9, the Orange ended the half on a 16-4 run as the two schools headed into intermission with Syracuse leading 25-18. SU connected on seven-of-11 field goals during the run while continuing its strong defensive effort. The Pirates made just two-of-nine field goals and committed seven turnovers during the stretch.

Michael led all scorers with 14 first-half points. Syracuse connected on 34.5 percent (10-29) of its shots in the opening stanza, while the Pirates made 31.0 percent (9-29) of its field goals. The two schools combined for 27 turnovers in the first period. Seton Hall’s 18 first-half points are the fewest for an SU opponent since the Orange held the Pirates to 15 points in the first half on Feb. 26, 2005.

Seton Hall (13-8, 5-5 BIG EAST) opened the second half on a strong note, scoring the first eight points to take a 26-25 advantage with 15:36 remaining. After Syracuse reclaimed the lead, 29-28, Seton Hall scored nine consecutive points to take a 37-29 advantage with 10:24 remaining.

Seton Hall stretched its lead to 13 points, 53-40, with 4:52 remaining before the Orange made one last charge. Syracuse scored six consecutive points to close the gap to seven points, 53-46, but could not pull any closer. Seton Hall converted 14 free throw attempts in the final two minutes to seal the victory.

Syracuse shot 35.6 percent (21-59) from the field, while Seton Hall connected on 41.0 percent (25-61) of its field goal attempts. The Orange committed 24 turnovers during the game and forced 23 Seton Hall miscues.

The Orange returns to action next Saturday, traveling to Louisville to take on the Cardinals. The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m.