'Cuse Takes Down Auburn in ACC/SEC Challenge

Wednesday, December 3

Syracuse, NY

5 PM

Syracuse University

7-1,0-0ACC

Auburn

8-2,0-0SEC

OT 1

Auburn

Syracuse

12/3/2025 7:48:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The Syracuse women's basketball team (7-1) defeated Auburn (8-2) in overtime in the ACC/SEC Challenge 66-60. Dominique Darius led the team in scoring with 20 points while Uche Izoje collected a double-double.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Immediately off the tip, Auburn was called for a back-court violation to give SU the ball. Both teams went back and forth, looking for opportunities to find the net in the first quarter. The Tigers took the lead, but tallied fouls that sent Dominique Darius to the line to close the gap. Rounding out the first quarter, two back-to-back steals and finishes by the Orange added to the score, but Syracuse still trailed 12-17.

Syracuse crept up on Auburn to start off the second quarter, knocking in field goals from Uche Izoje and Sophie Burrows. The Tigers increased their physicality, but a series of bad pass steals and fouls put the Orange in control to take the lead for the first time in the game. The defense continued to put on pressure, keeping Auburn scoreless for five minutes and 50 seconds to mark its lowest scoring quarter this season with 6 points. Syracuse entered the locker room leading 28-23.

Another series of back-and-forth play led to a close score in the third quarter. Auburn was able to complete a three-point play halfway through to tie up the game. Syracuse didn't hesitate to answer back as Izoje's field goal in the next drive gave 'Cuse the lead back. In the last second of play, Auburn tied it up, keeping the score 40-40 heading into the final stretch.

A bad pass steal sent Darius down the court in the fourth quarter. She passed it off to Burrows who put up the layup, bringing the crowd to its feet as Syracuse increased the lead to five. A three pointer and a field goal by Auburn quickly tied the score again. The Tigers were able to take the lead late in the fourth quarter, but a jumper and free throws from Darius gave the Orange the advantage again. As the clock ticked down to the final seconds, Auburn had possession but was unable to find the net, sending the game into overtime with a tied score of 52-52.

The Orange won the tip to start off their first overtime period this season. Auburn scored first on free throws, while Darius evened it up with a jumper of her own. A continuous back-and-forth motion happened between both teams, but a three-point play by Laila Phelia sealed the deal for Syracuse as the Orange pulled away with the 66-60 win over Auburn in the ACC/SEC Challenge.

OF NOTE

This marks the first Syracuse win over Auburn in history.
The Tigers allowed the most points in a first half (28) this season in tonight's matchup.
Uche Izoje recorded a double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds). She also had five blocks and one steal.
Izoje had her fourth consecutive game scoring double digits and the seventh time this season.
The Orange went 22-27 (81.5%) from the line. This is the first time Syracuse has made 20+ free throws since facing Yale on Dec. 1, 2024.
Four players scored in double digits tonight: Dominique Darius (20), Uche Izoje (16), Laila Phelia (14), Sophie Burrows (11).

UP NEXT

Syracuse will travel to Dallas for its ACC opener against SMU on Saturday, December 7 at 3 p.m. on ACCNX.

For more on the Syracuse women's basketball team, follow @CuseWBB on social media.