Syracuse Faces #6 Michigan Sunday at Noon on FS1

Fresh off a hard-fought victory over Utah (3-2), undefeated Syracuse (5-0) faces its biggest challenge of the early season when it takes on #6 Michigan (4-1) on Sunday at noon in the Invesco QQQ Women's Showcase at the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. The nationally televised matchup on FS1 at Mohegan Sun Arena will provide the Orange with an opportunity to secure their first top-10 victory under head coach Felisha Legette-Jack.

Syracuse rides a five-game win streak to start the season following Friday's 61-49 triumph over Utah. Graduate student Dominique Darius delivered a breakthrough performance, recording her first career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds to earn MVP honors of the game. The Jacksonville, Fla., native has been a revelation in her first season with the Orange, leading the team in scoring with 13.6 points while shooting 52.1% from the field.

The victory over Utah marked Syracuse's first come-from-behind win after trailing by seven early in the second quarter. The Orange's suffocating defense held Utah to just 24 second-half points while dominating the glass with 24 offensive rebounds for the second consecutive game.

Sunday's matchup represents a significant opportunity for Syracuse to make a national statement. A victory would be the first top-10 win of the Legette-Jack era and would give the Orange their first win over Michigan in program history. The all-time series sits at 5-0 in favor of the Wolverines, with the last meeting coming on December 5, 2019, when #24 Michigan defeated Syracuse 84-76 in Ann Arbor.

Syracuse enters as the defensive aggressor, holding opponents to just 49 points per game while forcing 23.8 turnovers per contest. The Orange's rebounding dominance has been key to their perfect start, leading opponents by 13.6 boards per game and ranking ninth nationally in offensive rebounds per game (18.6).

Michigan enters Sunday's contest looking to bounce back from its first loss of the season, a 72-69 defeat to #1 UConn on Friday in the Invesco QQQ Women's Showcase opener. Despite the loss, the Wolverines showcased their offensive firepower, with Syla Swords scoring 29 points (8-for-14 3FG). The 14th-year program under head coach Kim Barnes Arico features a balanced attack that averages 93.2 points per game.

Fans unable to attend the game can tune in live nationally on FS1 with Sloan Martin and Megan MeKeown on the call.

Syracuse Faces #6 Michigan Sunday at Noon on FS1

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Players Mentioned

Dominique Darius

Syracuse University Athletics