The Syracuse women's basketball team had a bit of an agenda going into last night's game against #13 West Virginia. A 21-win season was nice but with losses to UConn and Rutgers and a 1-4 record against ranked teams, the Orange still hadn't made their official statement for belonging in the top tier. Consider that statement signed, sealed and delivered. The outcome of the 73-51 win was never really in doubt and more importantly, now there is no doubt that the Orange can hang with the big girls if they come prepared.
The women finished sixth in the Big East with a 22-7 (10-6) record, their best finish in over 20 years. In the first round of the Big East Tournament they'll face 15-14 (5-11) South Florida. (See full bracket in pdf here) A win there and they'll get a familiar face, West Virginia, in the second round. If they could beat the Mountaineers again, the most likely scenario would have them facing Rutgers in the semis. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Looking to the NCAA Tournament however, ESPN's Bracketology currently has the Orange as a 7-seed (a little low?). Me thinks two wins in the BET could bump the Orange up as high as a five-seed but something tells me these ladies won't mind a 6 or 7 seed...better they continue being under the radar and not being taken seriously by the majority just yet. Let them prove that on the court.
The BET begins Saturday in Hartford, SU plays at 8:00pm EST.
(AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)