Syracuse University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Orange Hosts VCU in Third Round of WNIT
3/25/2010 11:27:12 AM | Women's Basketball
Read Game Notes
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The rv/rv Syracuse University women's basketball team (24-10) welcomes Virginia Commonwealth (22-12) in the third round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament at Manley Field House on Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m. The Orange has won three postseason games in the last two seasons, including its 69-55 defeat of Richmond in round two of the tournament on March 22. This season also marks the first time in program history that SU has won back-to-back postseason games, while it is Syracuse's third postseason appearance in four years under the direction of fourth-year head coach Quentin Hillsman.
Tickets for SU's game against the VCU Rams are on sale at the Carrier Dome Box Office as well as at the door. Patrons may also call the Box Office at 888-DOMETIX and press “0”. All tickets will be general admission and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for students or youth 12 and under.
All games can be heard live on SU's flagship station, WTLA 97.7 FM and 1200 AM (WSGO 1440 AM and 100.1 FM in Oswego) or on Syracuse's student station, WJPZ 89.1 FM. Live audio is available on SUAthletics.com via Orange All Access.
Orange in the Record Books
The Orange broke the school record for most wins in a season since SU began competing in the NCAA in 1981-82 with its 87-68 victory against Harvard on March 18. The only other season Syracuse played more than 32 games was in 1980-81 when it finished the season 26-8. This season also marks the first time the Orange concluded its non-conference schedule undefeated (13-0).
Will Not Go Quietly
Senior forward Nicole Michael recorded a game-best 18 points to go along with six rebounds, one assists, one block and one steal in SU's 69-55 victory against Richmond in the second round of the NIT on March 22. She shot 6-of-9 (.667) from the field, including 1-of-2 (.500) from behind the 3-point line. She has tallied a team-high 25 double-figure point games and a team-best 15 15-plus point games this season, while leading the Orange in scoring a team-high 14 times.
Last Time Out
Syracuse defeated Richmond, 69-55, on March 22 in the second round of the WNIT at Manley Field House. The Orange was led by senior forward Nicole Michael, who recorded her 25th double-digit game this season with 18 points and six rebounds, while junior guard Erica Morrow backed her with 16 points and a game-high tying five assists. The Orange shot 50.0 percent (25-50) from the field and held the Spiders to just 33.3 percent (19-57), while also holding the rebounding advantage, 42-27. SU also outscored Richmond in the paint, 40-14.
Orange Against the Rams
Friday's contest between Syracuse and Virginia Commonwealth will be the second meeting between the two universities. The Orange won the first match up, 62-43, in the consolation game of the Carrier Classic on Dec. 5, 1993.
Scouting the Rams
VCU is making its third straight postseason appearance and second WNIT showing in the last three years. Its match up against Syracuse marks the first time the Rams have reached the third round of the WNIT following its 84-65 victory against Hofstra on March 21 in the second round. Kita Waller and Courtney Hurt are coming off 27-point performances, and they are averaging 16.0 and 13.7 points per outing, respectively. D'Andra Moss leads the team with 17.3 points per game. Waller was named CAA Defensive Player of the Year to go along with her second team All-CAA and All-CAA Defensive Team selections. The Rams are forcing a Colonial Athletic Association-best 22.1 turnovers per game and rank 11th in the nation with a +6.2 turnover margin.
