Syracuse University
Rutgers University
Orange Looks for Sweep of Rutgers
2/19/2010 2:18:25 PM | Women's Basketball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Syracuse women's basketball team (18-7, 5-7) will attempt to break a two-game slide when it travels to -/rv Rutgers (15-11, 7-5) on Sunday, February 21 at 1 p.m. The Orange has won the last two meetings with the Scarlet Knights, but has not defeated a team twice in the same season since 2001-02, when it did so against West Virginia. Syracuse's all-time leading scorer, Nicole Michael, looks to break another SU record as she is just one rebound shy of tying former Orange great Felisha Legette on the career rebounding chart.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU with Bob Picozzi and Meg Bulger calling the action. Fans can also tune to SU's flagship station WTLA 1200/1400 AM or Syracuse's student station, WJPZ 89.1 FM to hear the game. Live audio for every Orange game is also available on SUAthletics.com via Orange All Access.
Last Time Out
The Orange was defeated in overtime by Cincinnati, 66-62, in its last match. The Orange played a tight contest the entire game, but the Bearcats' Chareese Ulis sent the game into overtime with a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Senior forward Nicole Michael led the Orange with 19 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for her second consecutive double-double. Freshman center Kayla Alexander was the only other player to score in double-figure for Syracuse with 12 points. The Orange outshot UC from the field, 38 to 36.7 percent, and grabbed more rebounds, 50 to 39. The Bearcats held the advantage from the free-throw line, as they made 11 more foul-shots than its hosts.
Orange Against the Scarlet Knights
Rutgers owns a 29-5 advantage in the all-time series between the two teams, despite losing the last two contests. Syracuse's 79-66 victory earlier this season marked the first time SU has beat Rutgers in back-to-back meetings in school history, as it earned a 68-54 victory last season. This season also marks the first time the Orange has defeated the Scarlet Knights in football, men's basketball and women's basketball since 2001-02, which was the first time it accomplished the feat. Despite its two-game winning streak against the Scarlet Knights, SU is 0-16 against Rutgers on the road.
Last Meeting
SU improved its record to 15-1 for the first time in its 39-year history with a 79-66 win against Rutgers on Jan. 13 in the Carrier Dome. Senior forward Nicole Michael led the Orange with 16 points and six rebounds, while freshman center Kayla Alexander registered her fifth consecutive double-digit game with 13 points. Senior forward Juanita Ward and junior guard Erica Morrow pitched in 10 points apiece, while sophomore guard Tyler Ash was one point shy of a double-double with nine points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Despite being outshot, 40-20, in points in the paint, SU kept itself in the game with its 46.7 (7-15) percent 3-point shooting, while holding Rutgers to just 10.5 (2-19) percent from behind the arc.
Scouting Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights enter Sunday's contest with a 7-5 BIG EAST record after losing to No. 9/8 West Virginia, 55-51, at WVU Coliseum on Feb. 16. Although it snapped its three-game winning streak, Chelsey Lee recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Brittany Ray tallied a team-high 16 points. Rutgers has held 10 of 26 opponents to 50 points or fewer and 18 foes to 59 points or less. RU is ranked ninth in the NCAA in field goal percentage defense (.345), while Ray is the only player averaging double-figures with 15.0 points per game.
