Career Performance from Laila Phelia Propells Syracuse to a 79-60 Win Over Virginia
Milo Hoffman | @mhoffnyc
CHARLOTTESVILLE, V.A. — Sometimes in sports, there are individual performances you just won’t forget. The ones that stick out when you look back and remember the season. Against Virginia, Syracuse (14-3, 4-2 ACC) guard Laila Phelia put together one of those “you won’t forget” games against Virginia (13-4, 5-1 ACC).
The statline read: 38 points, 13/19 from the field, 10/11 from the free throw line. Just pure domination. The bread and butter you may ask? The mid-range. Almost Kobe Bryant esq, Phelia continued to get to her spot inside the paint and punish the Cavaliers. Phelia has been a respectable three point shooter this year at 41%, but all season it’s been the penetration and slashing abilities that have given her the most success. That proved to be true against UVA as the senior went just 2/4 from three.
“Everyone stuck to coach Jack’s gameplan,” said Phelia, “my teammates just kept calling the right plays for me and gave me confidence.”
It was clear that coming into the year, Phelia was going to be a leader with the success she had at Michigan, but she’s been waiting for that breakout game, and this was just that.
Someone else who’s been waiting for a breakout game is Sophie Burrows. In fact, the junior has really struggled this season scoring under 10 points a game and shooting just 25% from three. But this contest served as a massive get right game for the captain. 21 points on seven threes. Sometimes you get hot from deep and that was indeed the case. Burrows also tacked on five steals, and continued to improve on the defensive end like she has most of this season.
After a really dreadful defeat to Virginia Tech inside the Dome just three days ago, this has to feel good for the Orange in a season where it’s been made clear March Madness is the expectation.. The ‘Cuse can keep it going against Cal (9-8, 0-4 ACC) on Thursday inside the Dome. Tip off is set for 6, for live game updates follow @JaredValentin_.
