Syracuse University
Brown University
Orange Hosts Brown for Last Non-Conference Contest
1/8/2010 5:09:39 PM | Women's Basketball
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse University women's basketball team will wrap up its non-conference schedule when it hosts the Brown Bears (3-10, 0-0) inside the Carrier Dome on Sunday, January 10 at 7 p.m. Fans with a ticket to the men's game against South Florida will get into the women's game for FREE. The game can be heard live on SU's flagship station WTLA 1200/1400 AM or on Syracuse's student station, WJPZ 89.1 FM. Live video is also available for every Orange game on SUAthletics.com via Orange All Access.
The Orange will attempt to go 14-1 for the first time in the program's 39-year history. It also looks to complete its non-conference schedule undefeated (13-0) for the first time in history (BIG EAST play began in 1982-83).
SU in the Rankings
Syracuse is at the top of several statistical categories this season. It's 5.1 scoring defense is fourth in the BIG EAST and 14th in the nation, while its field goal percentage defense (.308) is first in the league and second in the NCAA ranks. The defense has dominated with a +14.3 rebounding margin, which is second in both the BIG EAST and national rankings, while SU's 16.7 assists per game is fifth in the conference and 21st in the country.
Several Orange players are emerging in the BIG EAST rankings, including senior forward Nicole Michael, freshman center Kayla Alexander and junior guards Erica Morrow and Tasha Harris. Michael's 3-point field percentage (.438) ranks fifth in the league, while her 3-point field goals made (2.3) is sixth and her 6.1 defensive rebounds ranks third. Alexander has averaged 3.1 offensive rebounds in her first season, which ranks 10th in the conference. The freshman is tied for fifth in the BIG EAST in field goal percentage (.571) and is second in blocked shots with 1.9. Harris is fifth in assists (4.3) and seventh in assist/turnover ratio with 1.8.
Last Time Out
Syracuse had its first BIG EAST victory of the season when it routed Seton Hall, 79-38, on January 5. The 41-point win was Syracuse's largest BIG EAST margin of victory in history and most since it defeated West Virginia, 93-52, (39) in the 2000-01 season. Freshman center Kayla Alexander shot 7-of-8 from the floor and made 4-of-6 from the charity stripe for a team-best 18 points. Senior forward Juanita Ward matched Alexander's 18 points, while the two teamed up to anchor the SU defense with a team-high seven rebounds each.
Orange Against the Bears
The Orange and the Bears are meeting for the second time on the hardwood. The game is the first between the two teams in a decade, with the last matchup dating back to the 1999-00 season. SU won the game, 84-67, in Syracuse. The Orange won the Brown Classic in the 2006-07 season, but did not play Brown. Syracuse defeated Rhode Island, 66-63, and UC Davis, 75-55, to win the tournament.
Scouting the Bears
Brown is 3-10 after losing, 64-55, to Albany on January 6. Lindsey Nickels' scored a team-best 16 points and Natalie Bonds' pulled down 15 rebounds, while Brown finished the game shooting 32 percent from the field. Christina Johnson is averaging a team-high 9.5 points per game, while Bonds has a team-best 5.6 rebounds per contest. Two of Brown's three victory have been decided in overtime, while they are 1-5 away from home.
