'Cuse Top Seminoles 82-72

Thursday, January 1

Syracuse, NY

6 PM

Syracuse University

12-2,2-1ACC

Florida State

5-10,0-3ACC

Florida St.

Syracuse

1/1/2026 8:19:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Highlights Press Conference Photo Gallery

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The SU women's basketball team (12-2, 2-1) defeated Florida State (5-10, 0-3) in a 82-72 New Year's Day matchup at the JMA Wireless Dome. Uche Izoje's 21 points and 17 rebounds helped push the Orange past the Seminoles for the first time since January 18, 2024.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Though the Seminoles got their hands on the ball first for the tipoff, the Orange found the ball in their possession, with Laila Phelia completing the first drive with a fadeaway jumper. Shy Hawkins found her way through three defenders, completing a three-point play after she was fouled. Syracuse defense was in full swing in the first quarter, collecting four steals and three blocks, along with eight defensive rebounds, giving the Orange a 26-14 lead.

Phelia started off the second quarter with a deep three-point bucket. Off the bench, Aurora Almon scored six points, shooting a perfect 2-2 from the field and 2-2 at the line. Almon led SU in rebounds this quarter with four. 'Cuse kept up with the Seminoles, keeping their lead at 43-33 going into the locker room.

Uche Izoje snagged her tenth rebound to mark her fifth double-double of the season just one minute into the second half. Both teams went back-and-forth, as Florida State slowly closed the scoring gap. The Orange picked up the momentum at the end of the third quarter, adding three field goals in the final minute and a half to hold on to a 62-51 advantage.

Four three-pointers by the Seminoles in the final quarter pushed the gap closer, as the game was within one-possession with three minutes and 21 seconds remaining in the game. Izoje scored two field goals to give 'Cuse a larger lead again, but Florida State answered back quickly. After a few trips to the line, the Orange were able to capture the 82-72 victory over the Seminoles.

OF NOTE

Uche Izoje tallied her fifth double-double of the season (21 points, 17 rebounds).
Izoje's 17 rebounds is her new career-best (previously 14).
Izoje tied her career-high of 10 field goals made in a game.
Shy Hawkins tied her career-best of four field goals made.
Aurora Almon scored a career-high six points, making them all in the second quarter alone.
Journey Thompson made her first start of the season in tonight's contest.
Four players scored in double digits tonight: Uche Izoje (21), Dominique Darius (19), Laila Phelia (12), Sophie Burrows (12).
The Orange's 43-point first half is the most points the team has scored against an ACC opponent this season.
'Cuse's 82-point game is the most the Orange have scored against an ACC opponent this season.
Syracuse never trailed in the victory over the Seminoles.

UP NEXT
The Orange will visit Wake Forest on Sunday, Jan. 4. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.

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