'Cuse Hosts Canisius for Military Appreciation Day Tuesday

The Syracuse women's basketball team (2-0) returns to the JMA Wireless Dome on Tuesday for Military Appreciation Night to face Canisius at 7 p.m. The Orange have started the season with back-to-back convincing victories, defeating Stony Brook, 74-50, on Nov. 4 and UAlbany, 64-45, on Nov. 7. Fans unable to attend Tuesday night's game can stream the action live on ACCNX through the ESPN app.

Graduate student Dominique Darius and freshman Uche Izoje have led a balanced Syracuse attack through two games, each averaging 12.5 points per game. Darius has been efficient from the field, shooting a team-best 62.5 percent (10-for-16) while adding 4.5 rebounds per game. Izoje has been even more impressive shooting the ball, connecting on 63.2 percent of her attempts (12-for-19) while pulling down 3.0 rebounds and recording two blocks per game. Izoje scored 10 straight points in the third quarter of Syracuse's win over UAlbany last Friday.

Sophomore Shy Hawkins has started her second year in Orange strong, averaging 9.5 points on 61.5 percent shooting off the bench. Senior Laila Phelia has been the catalyst for the offense, leading the team with 26.7 minutes per game while contributing 7.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and a team-high 2.5 steals per game.

The Orange have dominated on the glass through two games, averaging 42.5 rebounds per game compared to just 28.0 for their opponents for a +14.5 rebounding margin. Syracuse has also excelled defensively, forcing 23.5 turnovers per game while averaging 13.5 steals. The Orange are outscoring opponents by an average of 21.5 points per game, shooting 46.3 percent from the field while holding opponents to just 34.3 percent. In Friday night's win versus UAlbany, the Orange made 17 steals on defense.

Canisius is 0-2 this season having lost its season opener 100-40 on the road at No. 13 Michigan on Nov. 4. The Griffins enter Tuesday's contest after falling 70-39 to Eastern Michigan on Friday in the team's home opener. Sophomore Irene Rey Pineda scored a career-high 12 points to highlight a Canisius attack that converted just seven field goals (7-for-42) for the game, shooting at a frigid 16.7% clip. Junior Shariah Gailes grabbed six of the Griffs' 28 rebounds in the contest. Rey Pineda leads the team in scoring this season with 9.0 ppg shooting 35.7 percent from the field.

Tuesday's game is Military Appreciation Day and will recognize a hometown hero at halftime. Fans are encouraged to stop by the marketing table at Gate B to receive a free Military Appreciation Day t-shirt while supplies last. Free schedule posters and schedule magnets will also be available.

Tickets for Tuesday's game are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting cuse.com/basketballtickets.

Don't miss episode 2 of "Gamechangers" this Thursday. WCNY's new television series, highlighting the 2025-26 Syracuse women's basketball season,airs throughout the season every other Thursday at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV. Hosted by Sean Dorcellus and featuring Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack, "Gamechangers" is a bi-weekly, 30-minute series that goes beyond the court to explore how championship-caliber programs are built through values, leadership, teamwork, and community. To learn more, visit wcny.org/gamechangers. For viewing details, visit wcny.org/wheretowatch or stream live at wcny.org/livestream.