Syracuse Women’s Basketball Upsets Utah 61-49 at HOF Women’s Showcase

The first half of Syracuse’s battle with Utah at the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase Friday was about as ugly as it gets. SU shot just 21% from the field. 

But in the second half, the Orange flipped the script and pulled away to beat the Utes 61-49. Syracuse is 5-0 for the first time under head coach Felisha-Legette Jack.

“We needed a change, we needed a burst of something, and they brought that to us,” Legette-Jack said of her team postgame. “We just said ‘keep going towards your dream. Keep believing that you can become, and his team is going to continue to grow through the process.’”

Syracuse’s win was in large part due to its domination on the glass. The Utes and Orange tied at 25 defensive rebounds apiece, but SU out-rebounded UU 24-6 on the offensive boards.

“We hold very high in our program in terms of creating second chances,” Utah head coach Gavin Petersen said. “We created six second chances for us while they created 24 for themselves. You’re not gonna win many games — especially come conference play, let alone postseason play — if you’re doing that.”

“It’s about your character,” Legette-Jack said. “We believe that offensive rebounding has nothing to do with skillset; it’s about who you think you’re trying to become. Every time they missed a shot, I was about to drop my head and they just reminded me, minute after minute and play after play, don’t drop your head. You’re going to miss something great.”

Day Two of this Women’s Showcase brings Syracuse its toughest test of the young season: a battle with No. 6 Michigan Sunday. Tipoff is set for noon. Follow @CitrusTVSports on X for updates.