Syracuse women’s basketball loses to Boston College, 88-81

For the first time since 2005, the Syracuse Orange women’s basketball team dropped a game to the Boston College Eagles — this time by a score of 88-81.

The game got off to a rough start for Syracuse, as Boston College bolted out to an 11-0 lead that left an energetic Dome crowd pretty quiet in the early going. Taylor Ortlepp was the main source for the Eagle run as she had eight points before two minutes even ticked off the clock. Kiara Lewis stopped the run with a layup, but it wasn’t until late in the first when Syracuse was able to really start finding their offensive rhythm. A three point barrage started between the two schools, and it lit the Dome on fire. Makayla Dickens started the show for the Eagles making a three, followed by a three from Orange senior Brooke Alexander and then Emily Engstler. BC answered back after a timeout with a three by Marnelle Garraud, and the half finished with a three from Gabrielle Cooper.

Five straight threes to end the quarter for both teams, and this one looked to be a great regular season finale. The scoring wasn’t nearly as prevalent in the second, but Boston College was able to strengthen their lead in the early going. With 5:16 left in the second a Taylor Ortlepp layup made it a 39-32 game. Syracuse made a good run at the end of the second after Gabrielle Cooper knocked down a three to tie this game at 43, and took the lead after a Kiara Lewis free throw on the following possession. Taylor Soule tied the game right before halftime for Boston College at 45. Emily Engstler recorded her 100th field goal of the season in the first half, as her improved play is very exciting for the seasons to come. Cooper already had 10 points, which led the Orange, after 20 minutes.

It did feel like Syracuse had momentum going into the locker room, but the third was a tight battle that never saw either team taking more than a three point lead. The Orange switched from zone to man late in the third to try to stifle B.C., but it really didn’t make much of a difference. The game remained tied after three 64-64.

Unfortunately for Syracuse, the Eagles opened the fourth on an 11-4 run powered by Taylor Soule and Emma Guy. Ortlepp, who killed Syracuse all day, sank a three with 2:31 left to give Boston College an 83-75 lead. Back to back jumpers by Dinga Strautmane and Kiara Lewis powered this back to a four point game with under a minute left, but then the game was sealed by Coach Q. Still unclear what was said, but while Syracuse was taking it out from the baseline under their basket, a technical foul was given to Coach Hillsman. It would be the final nail in the coffin, and Boston College beat Coach Q for the first time ever, 88-81. Hillsman took the blame for this one, and rightfully so. Who knows what could’ve happened if Syracuse scores under the hoop. A tough pill to swallow to close the original Dome, but now the Orange will look forward to the ACC Tournament in Greensboro.

Taylor Soule was a force for Boston College today, scoring 26 points going 8-14 from the field. She was two rebounds shy of a double double, snagging 8 this afternoon. Taylor Ortlepp scored 18 points, with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. She seemed to be the Orange’s achilles heel all day. Kiara Lewis and Gabrielle Cooper each led the way for Syracuse, scoring 18 points, respectively. Emily Engstler had 8 points and 12 rebounds on the day. As a team, the Orange shot 47.7% from the field.

With the loss today, Syracuse received the eight seed in the ACC Tournament, and will play Virginia on Thursday at 2 p.m ET. Congratulations to seniors Brooke Alexander, Elemy Colome, Gabrielle Cooper, Whisper Fisher, Kiara Lewis and Digna Strautmane for their accomplishments with Syracuse basketball. They have been incredibly fun to watch, and have been apart of many classic games in the Dome, in the ACC, and in the NCAA Tournament.

ACC Tournament bracket below. See everyone for Thursday’s game.