Orange rewrites program history books with most points in a game, 113-42
SYRACUSE, NYBy Jordan Greer
Maryland Eastern Shore led the game 1-0 one minute into the first half. Then, the rest of the game happened.
The Syracuse women’s basketball team pummeled the Lady Hawks in record-setting fashion Wednesday night at the Carrier Dome, 113-42, to move to 4-0 on the season.
The win was never in doubt as the Orange set a program record for most points in a game and most points in a half after leading 64-15 at the end of the first. It was also the widest margin of victory in team history.
"I had no idea what the record was," said head coach Quentin Hillsman after the game. "It was just one of those things where we got it clicking. We played phenomenal."
The Lady Hawks were unable to handle the swarming Orange full court and half court zone pressure. Syracuse forced 31 turnovers and produced easy baskets in transition.
"We got going into situations where we made them cross half court and try to make a play," said Hillsman. "I think that our length and our athleticism really changed the game with our pressure."
Sophomore guard Brianna Butler had struggled coming into this game, shooting only 28 percent from the field on the season. She served up a big performance, scoring 20 of her career-high 23 points in the first half. Butler added another personal-best for 3-point field goals made by draining 7 of 11 from deep.
"I just hit the open shot. I just focused on getting my feet set and getting in rhythm," said Butler. "They were just falling."
Butler's fellow sophomore guard Brittney Sykes continued her hot start to the year with an impressive overall line of 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. She recognized the importance of the sophomore duo playing well.
"Coach talked to us and told us that we had to contribute big this season as sophomores and take a leadership role," Sykes said. "To combine for 42 (points) is a great feeling to know that our teammates trust us with the ball."
Senior guard La'Shay Taft finished with 12 points off the bench and hit a three from the right wing in the second half to break the previous team record of 103 points. That was set by the 1978 Orange women against William Smith.
"I guess I'll be known for that until somebody snaps the record," said Taft with a smile. "It's a good thing. It's a plus."
Coach Hillsman said his team played two complete halves and continued to play hard and clean despite having a large lead.
"I thought overall it was one of those nights where we just got it rolling, got it clicking and we played well," said Hillsman.
Syracuse will close out its four-game homestand against Maine on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Carrier Dome. It will be the last home game for the Orange women until Dec. 16.
Head Coach Quentin Hillsman Postgame
La'Shay Taft, Brittney Sykes, Brianna Butler Postgame
Game Notes
- The previous team record for points in a half was 59, set three different times (1997 against Central Florida, 1999 against West Virginia, 2001 against West Virginia).
- The previous team record for margin of victory was 70, set against Delaware State in 2011.
- Syracuse went 22 of 26 (84.6 percent) from the free throw line on the night, which is impressive considering the frequency in which the team practices free throws. Coach Hillsman: "We shot free throws one time. I'm never shooting them again in practice."
- Maryland Eastern Shore struggled offensively even when it did not turn the ball over. The Lady Hawks shot 11 of 50 (22 percent) from the field and 2 of 20 (10 percent) from three point range.
- Junior guard Jessica Long led Maryland Eastern Shore in scoring (18.7 points per game) coming into tonight's contest, but she only had 9 points in 29 minutes of action.
- Reserves played a key role in the Orange women's win. Syracuse totaled 56 bench points compared to 15 for the Lady Hawks.
- Syracuse has now won 56 non-conference home games in a row. The last non-conference home loss was Dec. 22, 2006 versus Canisius.
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