#20/21 Syracuse Wins Top-25 Clash

Wednesday, November 30

Syracuse, N.Y.

7:00 p.m.

Syracuse University

5-3

#22 Michigan State

6-2

Michigan State

Syracuse

11/30/2016 10:02:00 PM | Women's Basketball

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Syracuse defeats No. 22 Michigan State, 75-64

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The No. 20/21 Syracuse Orange snapped a two-game losing streak on Wednesday night, defeating No. 22 Michigan State, 75-64, in the Carrier Dome. The victory concluded the hardest month of November in program history, as it was the first time Syracuse played three nationally-ranked opponents in the first month of the season.

"This is by far, since I've been here, the toughest schedule that we've ever played in November," head coach Quentin Hillsman stated. "That was done purposely, and our kids really responded today with a big win."

After failing to create many backcourt turnovers in the first quarter, the Orange (5-3) did just that in the second, using their press to outscore the Spartans (6-2), 20-8, in the game's deciding period. Senior guard Alexis Peterson led the way, recording four second-quarter steals and adding eight points to end the half with 15 on 7-of-12 shooting.

The Orange held Tori Jankoska, the nation's 14th-leading scorer, to just four points on 2-5 shooting in the first half. The Michigan State senior guard played just four minutes in the second quarter after picking up two fouls early on.

Responding to the 11-0 Syracuse run that ended the first half, Michigan State started the third quarter with a 6-0 run of its own, cutting the lead to 12 while holding the Orange scoreless over the first 3:50 of the period. Despite seven third-quarter points from Jankoska, the Orange held off the Spartans to maintain a 14-point lead entering the final quarter.

Peterson finished with a game-high 27 points on 11-of-23 shooting, adding six rebounds, five steals, and four assists to fill the stat sheet. Redshirt senior guard Brittney Sykes followed Peterson's efforts with 15 points, including 10 in the second half.

Jankoska led the way for the Spartans after a quiet first half, finishing with 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.

The Syracuse win marks the 10th-straight season in which the Orange have defeated a nationally-ranked opponent.

The Orange will return to action on Sunday, Dec. 4 as they host Central Connecticut State in the Carrier Dome. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.

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