Syracuse Drops to Duke in ACC Home Opener

Sunday, December 28

Syracuse, NY

4 PM

Syracuse University

11-2,1-1ACC

Duke

7-6,2-0ACC

Duke

Syracuse

12/28/2025 6:32:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The Orange women's basketball team (11-2, 1-1) fell 71-51 against Duke (7-6, 1-1) in their first ACC matchup at home this season. Dominique Darius led the team with 18 points and three rebounds.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Sophie Burrows' steal and assist to Darius started Syracuse off in its ACC home opener. Burrows collected three steals and Uche Izoje had back-to-back blocks in a defensive battle between both teams, as Duke and 'Cuse closed out the first quarter tied 14-14.

A slow-paced second quarter for the Orange put them behind the Blue Devils, as Duke led 33-22 heading into the locker room. Darius scored the most buckets, tallying five points, and Burrows added a block into the mix.

Syracuse picked the energy back up after the half, as Darius and Laila Phelia contributed nine points to the score. The Orange recorded three blocks and two steals but were unable to catch up to Duke as they extended their lead, 50-35.

Phelia found the net to score, knocking down one from beyond the arc in the final 10 minutes of play. The Orange were outscored by Duke 21-16 in the fourth quarter, ultimately falling 71-51.

OF NOTE

Sophie Burrows tied her career high of five steals.
Dominique Darius scored double digits for the ninth time this season.
SU totaled nine steals and five blocks.
Syracuse scored 32 points in the paint against the Blue Devils.

UP NEXT

The Orange will host Florida State on New Year's Day for a 6 p.m. tipoff at the JMA Wireless Dome.

Tickets for Thursday's game are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting cuse.com/basketballtickets.

For more on the Syracuse women's basketball team, follow @CuseWBB on social media.