Syracuse opened its women’s basketball season with a 75-48 victory over Sacred Heart on Tuesday at the JMA Wireless Dome, using contributions from eight newcomers to pull away in the opener.
The Orange spread the offense across its roster. Returner Uche Izoje led Syracuse with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while transfer starters Emely Rodriguez, Sarah Rambus and Tyi Skinner each scored in double figures. The newcomers accounted for more than two-thirds of Syracuse’s points.
Syracuse also received a strong reserve performance from Jaleesa Molina, who scored nine points in 19 minutes. Molina’s scoring total led all Syracuse reserves in the game. She also received the team’s postgame “hard hat,” an award given to a player for strong play.
“It’s tough. It was nice to have that, and it’s nice to get that trust.”
Molina said the recognition was meaningful as she began her Syracuse career. She entered the postgame news conference with the orange construction hat and a blue Powerade after playing her first game for the Orange.
Ricco makes defensive impact
Freshman reserve Célaine Ricco made an immediate defensive impact. She finished with seven steals, including five in the first quarter. That total surpassed Syracuse’s highest single-quarter steal mark from last season.
The Orange’s scoring balance helped the team respond when Izoje struggled early from the field. Izoje opened the game with a fadeaway for Syracuse’s first points but went 1-for-4 in the first quarter as Sacred Heart focused defensive attention on her. Syracuse then turned to Rodriguez and its other newcomers for offense.
Skinner said the team’s depth was part of the reason Syracuse emphasized moving quickly into its offensive lanes and advancing the ball.
“We have a lot of scorers on our team. That’s why our coach is really emphasizing to run our lanes, run our lanes. Get the ball out fast, get the ball out fast.”
Syracuse begins the season 1-0. Sacred Heart fell to 0-1 after the teams’ season opener.
- Uche Izoje: 16 points and 14 rebounds
- Jaleesa Molina: nine points in 19 minutes
- Célaine Ricco: seven steals, including five in the first quarter
