Syracuse Women’s Hoops Complete 21-Point Comeback

By Brittany Ehrlich

Syracuse (18-7, 6-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) trailed by 21 points in the second quarter  on the road against Wake Forrest (11-14, 3-9). The Orange weren’t ready to quit though and spurred a huge comeback and beat the Demon Deacons 71-61.

At the half, Syracuse trailed by 16 but that just set the scene for the comeback.

Syracuse came out strong after the thanks to a pair of layups by Jasmine Nwajei pulling the Orange within 11. Syracuse then went on a 14-0 run. Two Nwajei three throws gave Syracuse its first lead since the very beginning of the game.

Syracuse outscored the Demon Deacons 25-8 in the third and took a 54-53 lead going into the fourth.

Although it remained close the rest of the game Syracuse kept control and the lead throughout the fourth.

“Our kids really played hard and I give them a lot of credit,” Syracuse head coach Quentin Hillsman said. “We didn’t make a lot of adjustments at halftime but we just needed to play hard and attack. We came back and tied the game. Our kids did a great job of taking care of the ball in the second half.”

Tiana Mangakahia led the team with 26 points marking the third consecutive game that the guard has scored 20 or more points. The Australia native has tallied a team-best 23-consecutive double-digit games this season.

Digna Strautmane recorded her sixth consecutive game in double-digits, finishing the night with 13 points.

With this victory over Wake Forrest, Syracuse is now back to .500 in ACC play. The Orange also won its second road win in the ACC.

Syracuse faces No. 19 Duke next in the Carrier Dome on Thursday Feb. 15.