Syracuse Women’s Basketball Dominates Dartmouth in Final Non-Conference Matchup

Syracuse, N.Y. — The Syracuse women’s basketball team quickly established control in their final non-conference game against Dartmouth, surging to a double-digit lead that left fans mesmerized.

A Powerful Performance

Syracuse soared ahead with a 10-point lead early in the game, which expanded to an impressive 24 points by the close of the third quarter. When the final buzzer sounded, the Orange celebrated an 87-52 victory over the Big Green. Dartmouth struggled throughout, unable to close the gap or contain Syracuse’s efficient offense, which boasted a shooting percentage exceeding 50%. In contrast, Dartmouth managed fewer than 20 field goals over the entire game.

Building Momentum for Conference Play

This victory serves as an important morale booster for the Orange as they prepare for the upcoming holiday break. The matchup against Dartmouth allowed head coach Felisha Legette-Jack to experiment with different player combinations, helping her identify reliable options for when ACC play commences.

With just 12 days until Syracuse faces Georgia Tech and Florida State, the team is eager to maintain their performance as they enter the heart of conference competition.

Focus on Depth and Team Chemistry

"We’ve been really pressuring them to go deeper," Legette-Jack shared, addressing the importance of team dynamics. She emphasized that the path to improvement sometimes involves challenges and misunderstandings that ultimately lead to growth.

As the season progresses, Legette-Jack has focused on evaluating each player’s contributions, both individually and as part of the cohesive unit on the court.

Standout Performances

In this game, several players showcased their potential to earn significant roles moving forward. Saniaa Wilson was unstoppable, hitting all seven of her shots to finish with a game-high 16 points. "I felt great," said Wilson. "Just being out there with my teammates, just being fluid."

Kyra Wood achieved her third double-double of the season, contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Dominique Camp dished out an impressive 10 assists, marking the first time a Syracuse player has reached double digits in assists in over three years. Wood’s ability to secure a double-double in far fewer games than last season has solidified her role as a starting forward.

“We were pushing the ball,” Wood explained. “Coach Jack emphasized tempo and pace in practice and during the game, so we were trying to carry that through.”

Contributions from the Bench

Shy Hawkins made an impact off the bench, adding 11 points in just 14 minutes—a strong showing since she last reached double digits against Yale earlier in the month. Syracuse capitalized throughout the game, with 58 points scored in the paint and 21 off second-chance opportunities.

Defensive Dominance

The Orange displayed confidence and composure, keeping Dartmouth scoreless for nearly the first four minutes of play. Their disciplined performance drew attention, committing only 11 fouls total.

“Today they showed resolve and they showed evolution," said Legette-Jack. “They evolved into a team that is truly fighting for something.”

Areas for Improvement

While the Orange’s overall performance was strong, the three-point shooting was less prominent than in previous games, with only four successful attempts. Additionally, turnovers remain a concern, as Syracuse allowed 15 turnovers against Dartmouth.

Looking Ahead

With the ACC opener against Georgia Tech in Atlanta on the horizon, Syracuse enters a crucial period of competition on a high note, ready to adapt and face whatever challenges lie ahead.

“This team understands that any single second is their chance to be special,” Legette-Jack concluded. “We all have to stay locked in and ready.”