Syracuse University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
SU Defense Powers Orange to 65-45 Win
11/13/2009 9:05:32 PM | Women's Basketball
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse women's basketball team held Fairleigh Dickinson to 13 second-half points in its 65-45 victory in its season opener on Friday, November 13. Three Orange players scored in double figures in the win, including senior guard Nicole Michael, junior guard Erica Morrow and freshman guard Tyler Ash. Michael led the way for the Orange with 11 points and five rebounds, while Morrow and Ash each added 10 points.
The Knights and Orange battled for the lead in the first half, which featured seven ties and six lead changes. Syracuse had the lead going into the half and held the Knights to a 16.1 shooting percent in the second half en route to its 20-point victory.
The Knights opened up a four point lead to start the game, but the Orange came back and Michael's 3-ball gave Syracuse its largest lead of the half, 26-20, at the 7:02 mark. FDU scored the next six points, outscoring SU, 12-5 during a span of nearly four minutes, taking a 32-31 lead. Freshman center Kayla Alexander scored her first collegiate basket, giving the lead for good, sparking the Orange on a 7-0 run in the final three minutes of the half to settle the score 38-32 going into the locker room.
Fairleigh Dickinson opened up the second half with a basket, but did not score again until the 14:53 mark as the Orange built an 11-point lead. The Orange controlled the remainder of the game. Freshman guard Chanieka Williams made a layup in the closing minute of the game as Syracuse equaled its largest lead and sealed the 65-45 victory.
Alexander had nine points and eight rebounds in her collegiate debut, while senior forward Juanita Ward had six points and eight boards.
Alyssa Mayrose led the Knights with 19 points and Mariyah Laury added 13.
The Orange will return to the Carrier Dome on Monday, November 16 for a 7 p.m. matchup against Presbyterian College.
