Syracuse Seeks Fourth Straight against Niagara

Syracuse Game Notes | Niagara Game Notes

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse women's basketball team sets its sights on four wins in a row when the Orange hosts the Niagara Purple Eagles on Sunday, December 14 at 1 p.m. inside the familiar surroundings of the Carrier Dome. Syracuse arrived at three successive victories after shutting down Delaware State, 56-37, last Saturday afternoon. Sophomore guard Erica Morrow led the Orange in scoring for the fifth time this season with 15 points while senior Chandrea Jones and junior forward Juanita Ward each scored 10.

The fourth of Syracuse's five game home stand will feature live stats, video and audio via Orange All-Access. The game can also be heard live on WTLA AM 1200. Tickets for Saturday’s game are available online, by phone through Ticketmaster in the Syracuse area at (315) 472-0700, or in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office.

Central – Western New York Battle

The Purple Eagles started off its season with a couple formidable opponents in Michigan State and Oakland University. Through eight games, Niagara has only managed to knock of Youngstown State on the road by a final score of 65-51. Niagara travels to Central New York on a five-game skid, with losses coming from games at Buffalo and Duquesne and against Binghamton, Marist and Siena. The Spartans and Golden Grizzlies defeated Niagara in the first two contests of the year, as well.

Jennifer McNamee is the Purple Eagles' leading scorer with 13.3 points per game while displaying an 82.4 percent clip (28-of-34) from the line. Liz Flooks represents Niagara's leading glass cleaner, averaging 6.0 rebounds per outing. Defensively, Rachele Folino pilots the Purple Eagles with 12 total steals whereas Jaclyn Konieczka boasts a team-best five blocks.

Sunday's showdown marks the 11th meeting between the two lineups. The Orange holds a 6-4 advantage in the series, but Niagara has emerged with bragging rights in the last two encounters. In 2006-07, the Purple Eagles surprised Syracuse with a 59-54 victory at the Dome, marking the first victory for Niagara in Syracuse.

Last Time Out

Morrow's team-leading 15 points and career-high tying nine rebounds played a pivotal piece in the 19-point victory for the Orange against Delaware State. By and large, the Orange combined stifling defense and a dominating inside presence to cruise to its third straight triumph.

Syracuse held the Hornets to just 25.0 percent (12-of-48) from the floor and forced 19 turnovers.

It was Delaware State's Keyhana Wakefield that knocked down the first three points of the game, but sophomore guard Tasha Harris peeled down the court for the open layup, followed by two more Orange jumpers from junior forward Nicole Michael and Morrow for the 6-4 advantage in the first four minutes of the game. Syracuse cracked it wide open as junior forward Vionca Murray sparked a 15-4 run in favor of Syracuse, opening up the big spurt with a three-point play.

The Orange crushed the Hornets in the paint, 26-8, as well putting back in missed shots, 13-2, on second chance points. Syracuse's transition game moved at a pace in which the Hornets could not play, outscoring Delaware State 11-4.

Orange Peels

Numerous student-athletes reset their career-high numbers against Delaware State. Murray posted a career-best two offensive rebounds while Ward recorded a career-high two blocks in the victory. Freshman forward Troya Berry registered a career-best with two steals whereas first-year guard Tyler Ash gathered a season-best four defensive rebounds. Sophomore guard Marisa Gobuty contributed on the defensive end by securing a career-best with three steals. Morrow matched a career-best with nine total boards.

For the second consecutive game, Harris composed the Orange offense by doling out a game-high five assists. Two trips ago, Harris notched a season-high amongst all SU players with seven dimes against Lehigh.

Syracuse University Athletics

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