For the fourth straight game, Syracuse got off to a good start out the gate capturing an eight-point lead early. The 'Cuse defended well in its zone, holding Fairleigh Dickinson to just 35% in the first quarter.
The Orange did a good job of getting offensive rebounds and turning them into second-chance points. Syracuse shot 52% in the first quarter and led FDU in points in the paint and second chance points, 12-0.
Maintaining the effort on both sides of the ball, 'Cuse managed to go into halftime with a 40-30 lead.
Kyra Wood and Sophie Burrows lead the way for Syracuse in the first half. Wood had 10 points and seven rebounds with four offensive rebounds. Burrows had 11 points with three 3-pointers.
Syracuse continued its defensive intensity into the third quarter which allowed them to get a 24-point lead in the quarter. Syracuse scored 12 points from six FDU turnovers and held FDU to just 11 points in the quarter.
Eleven players recorded a point as Cuse’ cruised their way to a 77-58 win. The Orange shot 48.5% from the floor as they dominated FDU in the paint 40-6. Coach Jack acknowledged the talent of the bigs on the team
“This the best group of bigs we’ve had here for sure and arguably in the last 13 years of my career and now we have to hold our own power,” said Coach Jack.
Syracuse held the Knights to just 35.1% from the floor in the game and 31.3% from behind the arc. Syracuse also won the turnover battle,17-5 turnovers.
Even with one of the better defensive performances this year, Coach Jack still wants to see improvement moving forward.
“We got to continue to do better with the box out and we work on that tomorrow. We got to pursue rebounds,” said Coach Jack. “35 rebounds in a half is what I expect, not 35 in a game.”
Syracuse moves on to 2-2 on the year with a meeting with UAlbany scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 20 with tipoff at 7 p.m. in the JMA Dome.