Sykes' 23 Leads SU Past Cornell

Monday, November 18

Syracuse, N.Y.

4:30 p.m.

Syracuse University

3-0

Cornell

2-1

Cornell

Syracuse

11/18/2013 7:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

VIDEO: Highlights | Coach Hillsman Interview | Player Interviews
Box Score | Season Stats | Photo Gallery

SYRACUSE, N.Y.—Brittney Sykes recorded her second consecutive 20-point game to lead the Orange (3-0) past Cornell, 89-48 on Monday evening in the Carrier Dome. Sykes scored 23 points, stole the ball five times and dished out six assists in her efforts against the Big Red (2-1).

Sykes matched her career high in steals and set a new personal best in assists. She also contributed eight rebounds, seven on offense.

SU plays Maryland Eastern Shore on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Dome at 7 p.m., the third game of its four-game home stand.

Shakeya Leary recorded her third consecutive double-double of the season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Brianna Butler scored 13 points including nine off 3-point shooting.

"Sykes did a very good job of getting up and down the floor and made some decent baskets," head coach Quentin Hillsman said. "Leary has done what she's done all season, getting double-doubles and being a very solid force in the post."

The Orange dominated in transition, scoring 27 fast break points and allowing just two. They also controlled the post, notching 36 points in the paint and holding the Big Red to 16.

The Orange found its rhythm five minutes into the game, going on a 26-3 run over the next eight and a half minutes to take the lead and pull away from the Big Red. Sykes scored eight points in the run and Butler added seven, helping Syracuse to a 45-20 lead at the end of the first half.

Syracuse steadily built its lead in the second half, taking its largest lead of 41 with under one minute to go in the game.

Thirteen different Orange contributed to the scoring column and shot 44.9 percent from the field while holding Cornell to 31.6 percent shooting. Syracuse's trapping defense forced 29 turnovers and converted them into 31 points.

Allyson DiMagno and Nia Marshall led the Big Red with 13 points each.