Syracuse University
Delaware State University
Orange Hosts DSU for Doubleheader
12/21/2009 3:33:27 PM | Women's Basketball
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The rv/22 Syracuse women's basketball team looks to continue its winning ways when it welcomes Delaware State to the Carrier Dome on Tuesday, December 22 at 2 p.m. The Orange is one of only nine undefeated teams left in the country and will attempt to go 10-0 for the first time since 1974-75. The game, which is the first half of a men's and women's doubleheader, is free to fans with a ticket to the men's basketball game against Oakland. It can be heard live on SU's flagship station 1200/1400 AM or Syracuse's student station, WJPZ 89.1 FM. Live video for every Orange game is also available on SUAthletics.com via Orange All Access.
Last Time Out
The Orange stayed perfect with a 56-42 win against Dartmouth on December 13. Senior forward Nicole Michael led the team with 14 points and seven rebounds, powering Syracuse to a 9-0 record for only its second time in program history. Freshman center Kayla Alexander and senior forward Juanita Ward were among the other double-digit scorers, who added 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Orange shot 51.1 percent from the field, while holding the Big Green to only 28.3 percent shooting.
Orange is Among Nation's Best
Head coach Quentin Hillsman's squad is a perfect 9-0 and off to its best start in 36 years. The Orange men (11-0) and women have never both been undefeated this late into the year. The women's successes have helped them achieve a No. 22 ranking in the latest ESPN/USA Today poll, which is the highest ranking for the Orange in the Coaches Poll since it was 22nd the week of January 22, 2008. It also received 22 votes in the latest AP Poll, putting SU 31st. It is the fourth consecutive week Syracuse has received votes in the AP Poll.
Ward is Key Player
Senior forward Juanita Ward registered 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block in Syracuse's 56-42 victory against Dartmouth on December 13. It was the second consecutive game Ward hit the double-figure mark. She recorded 11 points, four rebounds, two blocks and a steal in SU's 70-54 win at Ohio on December 6. Ward is averaging 6.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest for the Orange and has started in all nine game this year.
Scouting Delaware State
The Lady Hornets are 1-9 after defeats by Cal. State-Bakersfield, 74-37, and Dartmouth, 49-38, at the USC Women of Troy Classic last weekend. Delaware State played without injured starters Selena Galloway (ankle) and Brittney Washington (back), while Sade Bowen was named to the all-tournament team after combining for 15 points and 11 rebounds in the pair of games. DSU has shot less than 40 percent in each of its last nine games.
Orange Against the Lady Hornets
Tuesday will mark the second consecutive year Syracuse has met Delaware state. Last year's game was a low-scoring contest resulting in an Orange victory, 56-37. The Orange was led by Erica Morrow, who had a team-best 15 points.
