Peterson Lifts Syracuse over Fordham in Season Opener

Story by: Lauren Foti
Photo courtesy cuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y.-- The Syracuse Women’s basketball team opened its season the way any team would want to, although the game did not start the way Coach Quentin Hillsman would have liked.  With a 59-42 victory over the Fordham Rams (0-2) the Syracuse Orange is 1-0.

Early struggle

In the first half the Orange struggled to make buckets, shooting only 34-precent from the field. The first half proved to be troublesome for both the Rams and the Orange. Fordham converted just seven of its 27 field goal attempts.

With a little help from Alexis Peterson (photo) , the Orange managed to head into halftime leading the Rams 22-21.

“We want to be able to attack in transition and get up and down the floor,” Hillsman said. “I thought Petey did a really good job getting us into our transition offense.”

The sophomore guard from Columbus, Ohio had a career-high of 19 points in Sunday’s game.

“It was really exciting.” Peterson said. “ I was like, ' I can step up and help my teammates out.'”

Peterson’s three baskets to end the first half it were the boost the Orange needed.

Second half improvement

The Orange came out of halftime with a quick 10-2 run over the Rams. That run was powered by key defensive stops courtesy of Peterson and Cornelia Fondren. That gave Hillsman the momentum he wanted so he could use the press against the Rams.

" We did a real good job getting pressure on the ball," Hillsman said. "I thought that changed the game."

Syracuse's pressure contributed to Fordham's 22 turnovers. SU outscored the Rams 37-21 in the second half.

The Orange’s defensive efforts kept Fordham shooting just 29-percent for the entire game. Briana Day protected the basket blocking a career-high three shots.


Notes:

• Hillsman made quick rotations getting eleven players in the game, making it easier to use the press.
• Guard Brittney Sykes did not suit up for this game because of an ACL injury from last spring. Hillsman said she has been practicing and every day is one step closer to returning to the court.
• The Orange travels to Pittsburgh to take on Duquesne this Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7:00 p.m.