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The No. 15-ranked Syracuse Orange women’s basketball team improved to 9-2 after a 94-45 victory over Niagara (3-7). Defense was a key factor in the team’s dominate performance versus the Purple Eagles.
Syracuse was efficient inside-the-arc, behind the three-point line, and at the free throw line, but the most impressive part of its performance came on the defensive side of the ball. The Orange held Niagara to just under 26% from the field and 14% percent from three-point range. Not one Purple Eagles player hit double digits.
It had been 12 days since Syracuse’s last game, but they showed no rust whatsoever. Five players scored in double figures for the Orange, led by Miranda Drummond with 19 points. Though Tiana Mangakahia “only” had eight points, she also dished 15 assists. Digna Strautmane had 12 points and eight assists. Freshman Emily Engstler scored 16 points off the bench on 7-of-10 shooting.
The Orange shot 51.4% from the field, and 40.5% from distance. They led 25-10 after a quarter, and 52-25 at the half. It was the third straight game scoring 90 or more for Syracuse. SU is among the 25 highest-scoring teams in the nation.
Syracuse has just two games remaining before ACC play starts, facing Duquesne and UCF in St. Petersburg, Fla. this weekend.