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Syracuse underwent an identity change in its last game.

In previous contests, SU struggled to piece together complete performances. However, Syracuse kept up with Clemson and used a 25-8 fourth-quarter advantage to win 67-55 on Sunday. Meanwhile, Georgia Woolley came off the bench, and Madeline Potts stepped into the starting lineup for the first time this season. She scored a career-high 13 points.

By differing from their tendencies, the Orange ended their three-game losing streak and picked up their second Atlantic Coast Conference victory.

Now, after a six-day break from action, SU welcomes Virginia to the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday. The Cavaliers have dropped their last four games, including two losses to ranked squads.

Here’s everything to know before Syracuse (8-12, 2-7 ACC) faces Virginia (11-11, 3-7 ACC):

All-time series

Syracuse leads 11-4.

Last time they played…

On Feb 18, 2024, the Orange took a four-game winning streak to Charlottesville and left with an 85-79 victory. The Orange shot over 50% in the first half to take a 17-point halftime lead but were outscored 51-40 in the second half due to a shooting drop-off. However, Dyaisha Fair tallied 11 of her game-high 33 points in the fourth quarter to help SU cling to its lead. Fair, who hit five of Syracuse’s 12 triples and Woolley combined to score 59 points, helping SU to its fifth straight win.

The Cavaliers report

With third-year head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton at the helm, UVA has played a streaky brand of basketball. The Cavaliers won six of their first seven games and, since then, have suffered multiple four-game slides.

Now, SU catches UVA amid its second lengthy losing streak. After falling to then-No. 21 NC State and then-No. 18 Georgia Tech, the Cavaliers came three points shy of a comeback effort against Louisville after once trailing by 17. In Virginia’s last game, a 77-74 defeat at Miami, it blew an eight-point fourth-quarter lead, resulting in a second straight three-point loss.

During the rough stretch, the Cavaliers’ leading scorer, Kymora Johnson, has scored below her 17.6 points per game average twice. In the last two games, she’s shot a combined 7-of-21 while averaging just 10.5 points. Secondary scorer Latasha Lattimore has increased her scoring in the stretch, but it hasn’t been enough to change the games’ results.

How SU beats UVA

One of the biggest reasons for Syracuse’s struggles this season has been its inability to play a complete game. But against Clemson, it finally did, pulling away with a strong fourth quarter.

In the contest, SU trailed after the first quarter, but it didn’t let that derail it. Instead, the Orange turned to their veterans, Kyra Wood and Izabel Varejão, who tallied game-high 16 points, respectively. Seven different players registered an assist, and SU kept the ball moving.

Syracuse’s willingness to share the ball led to increased chances, and it made the most of them. The Orange made 19-of-22 free throws and hit six triples. If SU repeats its winning formula against a struggling Virginia team, it will come away with its third ACC victory.

Stat to know: 5.7

Syracuse has faced some tall opponents this season, but Virginia may be among the tallest. The Cavaliers rank 10th in the country with 5.7 blocks per game, per HerHoopStats. UVA’s top four blockers have at least 15 rejections this season, and each stands at 6-foot-2 or taller. Virginia has three of the top 15 blockers in the ACC, while Syracuse has none.

Player to watch: Kymora Johnson, guard, No. 21

The Cavaliers’ biggest scoring threat by far is Johnson. The sophomore ranks sixth in the conference in points per game (17.6) while also sitting third in free throw percentage (87.1). Though, Johnson is more than just a scorer. She averages five assists per game, ranking fourth in the ACC. Johnson is also tied for second on UVA in rebounds per game (5.4).

Published on February 1, 2025 at 6:15 pm

Contact Timmy at: tswilcox@syr.edu | @TimmyWilcox32