Syracuse women's basketball relied on an impressive defensive performance to easily beat non-conference foe Sacred Heart on Tuesday night, 75-48, at the JMA Wireless Dome in the Orange's 2026-27 season opener.
Per the ACC Network Extra broadcast team, the 'Cuse set an attendance record for a season opener, with an announced crowd of more than 2,500. Love to see that. SU chancellor Mike Haynie, Orange athletics director Bryan Blair and sports-casting legend Mike Tirico were on hand, which was awesome.
SU chancellor Mike Haynie, athletics director @BtotheBlair and sports-casting legend/proud 'Cuse alum @miketirico are at tonight's Syracuse women's basketball game. That's freaking awesome. #CuseFamily 🧡
— InsideTheLoudHouse (@LoudHouseFS) November 4, 2026
Coming off a 24-9 overall record last season, in which Syracuse made the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, head coach Felisha Legette-Jack and her program are eyeing another trip to the annual Big Dance. While Tuesday evening's game was just the beginning for the Orange, it was a strong start.
In handling the Pioneers, a team from the Metro Conference, the 'Cuse was fabulous on defense. Syracuse women's basketball turned Sacred Heart over time and time again, and SU held massive leads in paint points and fast-break points, among other statistical categories. The Orange's next contest will be against Central New York neighbor Cornell at home on Sunday, Nov. 8, at noon EST.
Here's how Syracuse women's basketball crushed Sacred Heart on Tuesday night.
The Pioneers made 27 percent from the field, 32 percent from beyond the arc and 80 percent from the free-throw line. The Orange connected on 37 percent from the field, 20 percent from downtown and 67 percent from the charity stripe.
Sacred Heart committed a whopping 29 turnovers, while the 'Cuse had 13. That propelled Syracuse to a 33-14 advantage in points off turnovers. The Orange also led 52-42 in total rebounds, 16-13 in second-chance points, 21-9 in bench points, 46-12 in paint points, 28-5 in fast-break points, 3-0 in blocks, 23-8 in steals and 15-8 in assists.
In the win, nine SU players scored, including four reaching double figures. Sophomore center Uche Izoje, who was the Atlantic Coast Conference's rookie of the year last season and is an All-American candidate in 2026-27, struggled with her shooting and turnovers. However, she still led the 'Cuse with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Junior guard Emely Rodriguez had 13 points and went 3-of-6 from deep. Senior forward Sarah Rambus added 12 points. Fifth-year guard Tyi Skinner contributed 11 points and five assists. Senior forward Jaleesa Molina tallied nine points and six boards.
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