Syracuse women's basketball comeback falls short vs. Minnesota

The #12-ranked Syracuse Orange women’s basketball (6-2) team came short of completing a comeback on the road versus the #20 ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-0). After taking a six point lead in the fourth quarter, the Orange allowed Minnesota to go on a 12-0, and the Gophers never trailed again, securing the 72-68 victory.

After trailing by as many 12 points, Syracuse was able to take its first lead in the fourth quarter. SU led 61-55 in the fourth, before Minnesota went on a 12-0 and never looked back.

Kiara Lewis had a team-high 14 points off the bench. Miranda Drummond was second on the team with 12 points and four rebounds.

Star guard Tiana Mangakahia struggled, going 5-of-19 from the field, scoring only 11 points. She did have eight assist in the game, but her lack of efficiency proved too much for the Orange to overcome. This goes to show that team goes as far as Mangakahia will take them.

Kenisha Bell scored 24 points and grabbed nine boards for the Gophers.

But, the game ball should go to Minnesota’s Taiye Bello, who had 20 points and 18 rebounds, helping the Gophers out-rebound Syracuse 50-33.

Still, Minnesota won this game at the free-throw line. Syracuse committed twice as many fouls as the Gophers (22-11). Minnesota finished 25-of-31 from the line, while Syracuse was only 5-for-6.

This is only the second loss of the season for the Orange, who has lost by a combined six points in its two losses on the season. Both coming on the road against top-20 opponents.

Syracuse is up against the Towson Tigers next, with tipoff on Sunday, December 2 at 2 p.m. from the Carrier Dome.