Syracuse University
Clemson
Tigers Outlast #23 Syracuse's 25-point Comeback in Overtime
1/24/2021 3:56:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The #23 Orange mounted a 25-point comeback to force overtime at Clemson (9-5, 4-5 ACC) Sunday afternoon but the Tigers escaped with a 86-77 win. Syracuse (7-3, 4-3 ACC) wraps up a four-game-in-eight-day stretch going 2-2 and returns home for a pair of games this week at the Carrier Dome. Kiara Lewis scored a game-high 25 points with eight rebounds and three assists in her fourth 20-point game of the season.
"Our kids fought hard to get it to overtime," Syracuse Head Coach Quentin Hillsman said. "They really did a great job of fighting hard to get to overtime. But, at the end of the day we lost the game and its totally unacceptable to start off like that and not play with any energy and effort."
The Orange trailed early never recovered as Clemson took a 52-27 into halftime. Kiara Lewis and Digna Strautmane led Syracuse in the first half with nine points apiece.
Syracuse began the third quarter with a 15-2 run and cut the deficit to 12, 54-42, with 14 minutes remaining. 'Cuse outscored the Tigers 23-9 and forced seven turnovers in the third quarter.
Late in the fourth quarter Lewis drew a three-point play at the basket with 1:10 remaining in regulation to give Syracuse its first lead of the game, but it was short lived as Clemson's Kendall Spray hit a three to regain the lead. Emily Engstler's jumper from the top of the key tied the game 70-all and sent the Orange to their first overtime period of the season.
The Orange were outscored 16-7 in the bonus period as Clemson was able to hold on for their first win over Syracuse in program history. The Tigers were backed by 20-point outings from Amari Robinson and Spray.
Emily Engstler tallied 17 points, 9 rebounds, two steals and four blocks off the bench. Syracuse blocked 11 shots with Cardoso leading the way with six. It was the third game with 10+ blocks for 'Cuse this season.
Of Note:
- Tiana Mangakahia tallied her fourth-straight game with double-digit assists with 10
- Priscilla Williams has scored in double-figures in four of the last five contests
- Williams notched her 100th career point
- Emily Engstler earned her 500th career point
The Orange return to the Carrier Dome on Thursday evening to host Pittsburgh. Action gets going in Syracuse at 6 p.m. and will air on ACC Network Extra.
