Syracuse University
Villanova University
Orange Looks to Continue Winning Ways
2/8/2010 5:55:39 PM | Women's Basketball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The rv/rv Syracuse University women's basketball team (18-5, 5-5) looks for its third consecutive win when it travels to Villanova (11-11, 0-9) on Tuesday, February 9 at 7 p.m. A victory would give the Orange a program-best tying record after 24 games and its third consecutive BIG EAST road win. SU has not won three straight conference road games since the 2002-03 season.
The contest can be seen live on CBS College Sports with Dave Ryan and Debbie Antonelli calling the action. The game can also be heard live on SU's flagship station, WTLA 1200 AM, or on Syracuse's student station, WJPZ 89.1 FM. Live audio for every Orange game is available on SUAthletics.com via Orange All Access.
Tyson-Thomas Does it Again
Freshman guard Carmen Tyson-Thomas recorded a career-high 14 points in Syracuse's 69-60 win against Marquette on Feb. 6. She shot 5-of-7 (.714) from the floor, including 3-of-4 (.750) from behind the arc, while adding a game-high nine rebounds, two assists and one steal in 22 minutes. Tyson-Thomas also set career-bests in field goals made (5), 3-point field goals made (3) and attempted (4) and defensive rebounds (9). The freshman, who will make her return to her hometown of Philadelphia against Villanova, has led SU in rebounding six times.
Last Time Out
Senior forward Nicole Michael scored a game-high 18 points as she led the Orange for her second consecutive game with a 69-60 victory against Marquette on Feb. 6. Freshman guard Carmen Tyson-Thomas backed up Michael off the bench with a career-high 14 points on a career-best 3-of-4 shooting from behind the arc, while adding a game-high nine rebounds. The Orange shot 45.3 percent (24-53) from the floor, while holding the Golden Eagles to 32.8 percent (22-67). Despite committing 22 turnovers in the game, the Orange only turned the ball over five times in the second half to manage the victory.
Orange Against the Wildcats
Villanova is SU's third most played opponent after 50 meetings. The Wildcats own the most victories against the Orange of any foe and hold a 34-14 advantage in the all-time series. Syracuse has won two of the last three encounters, including a 73-60 victory on SU's last visit to The Pavilion on Jan. 19, 2008.
Last Meeting
The Orange suffered a 69-51 setback to the Wildcats on Jan. 31, 2009, which was due in large part to a 21-7 Wildcat run lasting much of the second half. Juanita Ward led the Orange with 15 points after going 6-for-7 (.857) from the field and 3-for-4 (.750) from the charity stripe. Villanova shot 43.5 percent (10-23) in the second half and held SU to just 20.8 percent (5-24).
Scouting Villanova
Villanova is 11-11 overall and 0-9 in the league after losing to DePaul, 64-60, on Feb. 6. The Wildcats were led by Kyle Dougherty and Maria Getty, who had 14 points each. Villanova shot 39.6 percent from the floor (21-53), 31.0 from 3-point range (9-29) and 81.8 percent from the foul line (9-11). Laura Sweeney leads the Wildcats in scoring (11.0) and rebounding (5.9) on a team that takes more shots from long distance (587) than it does inside (541). Head coach Harry Perretta (583-354) is in his 32nd year at Villanova.
