Entering Syracuse women's basketball's matchup with Notre Dame, head coach Felisha Legette-Jack and the Orange were “on the bubble,” according to ESPN bracketologist Charlie Crème. But a lackluster fourth quarter exemplified the second-half struggles for Syracuse this season.
Notre Dame’s Kylee Watson showed why she was a former McDonald’s All-American, scoring eight first-quarter points and leading the Fighting Irish to a one-point lead at the break. Georgia Woolley splashed two three-pointers as well, giving her six after the first 10 minutes. But the game would quickly get out of hand and become ugly for the Orange
The second quarter was certainly a struggle for the Orange. SU went just one of 16 from the field, and knocked down one three-pointer and three free throws for a total of six points. Notre Dame outscored Syracuse by 11 in the frame, with six different players registering points in the stat book.
Down by 12 at the half is not ideal for a team that usually begins hot out of the gate. Syracuse allowed a 15-3 run in the final eight minutes of the quarter, and looked like they were feeling the effects of fatigue much earlier than usual.
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Usually, the second half has been a problem for Syracuse. With NC State, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame earlier in the season, FLJ’s crew loses all momentum and gives the game away in the final 20 minutes. While they put together an efficient 40 minutes against North Carolina at home on Thursday, it took the Fighting Irish just two quarters to build a substantial lead.
When it seemed like the Orange were down and out as the second half opened up, Fair and company started to kick it into gear, playing explosive basketball. Syracuse started the third quarter seven of their first 12, with Fair and Lewis each scoring seven of the first 18 points after the break.
After shooting 1-16 (6%) in the second, the Orange completely turned the game upside down in the third quarter. Trailing by 12 at the half, Syracuse scored 30 points in the third quarter for the second time in two games, leading the Fighting Irish by two heading to the fourth. But even a monster third could not be enough to put the #10 Fighting Irish to bed in South Bend.
The Orange were outscored by 11 in the last period, unable to counter any move Notre Dame would make. Olivia Miles scored nine fourth-quarter points, just one shy of Syracuse’s total in the game. With a cold 4-14 from the field, the Orange would not be able to keep up with Notre Dame’s 6-11 shooting performance.
Four players in double figures for Notre Dame, with Maddie Westbeld leading the charge. Fourteen points, seven rebounds, and two assists in 34 minutes. The three other players who scored in single digits for the Fighting Irish all had seven points apiece.
For Syracuse, Fair, Woolley and Dariauna Lewis combined for 53 of the Orange’s 64 points in the loss and made 20 of the team’s 24 field goals. While the defeat makes it difficult for Syracuse to fight its way into the NCAA tournament, there’s still a way the Orange can get in. But having scoring, apart from its big three, will be vital down the stretch.
Next up for Syracuse will be Florida State on the road, with a 6:00 p.m. tip-off on Thursday night.