Syracuse Women's Basketball: Syracuse Blown Out in 2nd Straight Game

The Louisville Cardinals proved to be too much to handle in the Carrier Dome for the Syracuse Orange on Monday night. After getting to an early 22-6 lead in the first quarter, Syracuse was taken out of the game, and could not climb back into it. "We weren't ready to play," describes head coach Quentin Hillsman, "We came out flat." Syracuse did everything they could to fight back into the game, but the early deficit became insurmountable, as Syracuse fell 71-53.

The Orange had an awful shooting night. They shot 25.8% from the field, 20% from beyond the arc, and 53.8% from the free throw line. Included were several missed layups and opportunities Syracuse did not convert. Syracuse will need to shoot more consistently if they are going to compete with ranked teams and in post-season tournaments. Syracuse was also outrebounded 48-37. Rebounding has been a weak spot recently. One positive takeaway is the full-court press and aggressive defense forced 28 turnovers.

After starting a hot 4-1 in the ACC, Syracuse has slowed down considerably. Their last two games have been blow outs. Notre Dame and Louisville may be some of the top teams in the country, however, Syracuse has not been competitive against them. Playing poorly against ranked teams has become Syracuse's Achilles Heel. Syracuse is currently 1-5 against teams that were ranked when SU played them; they are 0-5 against teams that are currently ranked. Syracuse is 13-1 against unranked teams. Overall Syracuse's record is 14-6, and 4-3 in the ACC.

Syracuse's next game is against rival Boston College. It is on Wednesday, January 27th, at 7 pm, in the Carrier Dome. Time Warner Sports Channel will broadcast the game. Boston College is 13-6 on the season and 1-5 in the ACC.