Syracuse Orange Outshine Wake Forest Demon Deacons with Dominant Third Quarter Surge

The Syracuse Orange improved their season record to 10-3 with a decisive 73-58 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, who now stand at 8-5. The game, held at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, saw Syracuse take control in the third quarter and never look back.

First Quarter

The opening quarter was tightly contested as both teams exchanged baskets. The Orange managed to edge out a slight lead with a score of 15-14. Laila Phelia's defensive prowess was evident early on, contributing significantly to her team's efforts by securing steals and setting up plays.

Second Quarter

As the second quarter unfolded, both teams continued their neck-and-neck battle. The scoring remained even at 17 points each for this period. Uche Izoje showcased her skills under the basket for Syracuse, grabbing rebounds and making crucial blocks that kept Wake Forest from gaining momentum.

Third Quarter

The third quarter marked a turning point in favor of Syracuse as they surged ahead with an impressive display of teamwork and precision shooting. Scoring 23 points while limiting Wake Forest to just 8 points during this period was pivotal in establishing their dominance. Justus Fitzgerald played a key role by orchestrating plays that led to efficient scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Fourth Quarter

In the final stretch of play, despite Wake Forest's attempts to rally back by adding another 19 points on the board, it wasn't enough against Syracuse's consistent performance throughout all quarters. Journey Thompson contributed significantly during this time with her strong presence in both offense and defense.

Overall, Syracuse's ability to capitalize on turnovers proved instrumental as they scored an impressive total of 25 points off turnovers compared to Wake Forest’s mere 11 points from similar opportunities—a testament to their strategic gameplay execution throughout all four quarters.

Fans can look forward to more action when the Orange face off against Virginia Tech Hokies on January 8th at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse at 6:00 PM EST; catch it live via ACC Network Extra! Share your thoughts about this exciting matchup!