Syracuse 82, Virginia Tech 72: Sykes leads Orange with 31 points in win

The Syracuse Orange women’s basketball team beat their third ranked opponent in the last four tries on Sunday. On the road at No. 19 Virginia Tech, the Orange won 82-72.

SU improves to 6-3 in the ACC and 15-7 overall. The Hokies were their fourth win over a ranked program this season, a program record.

After a few games departing from their typical formula for wins, Syracuse got back to work in Blacksburg, shooting well (and in high volume) and forcing turnovers. The Orange hit 50.8 percent of their shots, and 43.8% from three. They also forced 16 turnovers, scoring 22 points off of those.

Syracuse’s scoring attack was a four-headed monster all game. Brittney Sykes led the Orange with 31 points (on 12-of-17 shooting), while Alexis Peterson and Briana Day scored 22 and 21 points, respectively. Gabby Cooper scored eight as well. No other SU player got on the board.

Outside of a random slip-up vs. Georgia Tech, this has been a pretty impressive late run for the Orange. Since January 12, they’re 3-2, with wins over No. 22 NC State, No. 14 Miami and No. 19 Virginia Tech. They also 6-2 since the new year, which should encourage the team and fans as they inch closer to another NCAA Tournament bid.

Next up for the Orange is a date with Pittsburgh on Thursday, February 2.