Syracuse Turbulent Triumph: In a game where a team dominates for 33 minutes and 50 seconds, victory should feel secure. However, Syracuse found itself on the brink of letting a comfortable lead slip away against Alabama due to turnovers, both literal and figurative.
With 3:24 left in the fourth quarter, Dyaisha Fair’s transition basket put Syracuse up 69-59, seemingly sealing the game. Yet, a series of turnovers, fueled by the Crimson Tide’s press, allowed Alabama to narrow the lead to five. A tense sequence ensued, with Aaliyah Nye sinking a 3-point shot, cutting Syracuse’s lead to 69-67 with two minutes remaining.
Despite a season-high 24 turnovers, Syracuse managed to survive, securing a 79-73 victory. The Orange grappled with Alabama’s full-court press, leading to easy buckets for the Crimson Tide. The turnovers resulted in 25 points for Alabama, exposing Syracuse’s vulnerability. Even with a stellar performance from freshman Alyssa Latham, who turned the ball over six times, and equal contributions from Georgia Woolley and Dyaisha Fair, the Orange weathered the storm for their third consecutive win.
Syracuse’s struggles against Alabama’s press were evident from the early stages, as they grappled with aggressive defensive play. The full-court press posed challenges, with Syracuse committing turnovers that Alabama capitalized on. Despite these lapses, Syracuse maintained an offensive rhythm after an initial scoring drought.
The first half witnessed Syracuse’s difficulties against Alabama’s defensive aggression. Latham’s aimless passes and struggles against the press hinted at challenges to come. Alabama’s robust defense, ranking 11th nationally, forced Fair and Woolley into contested shots. The Crimson Tide’s defensive prowess, allowing just 50 points per game, posed a formidable challenge.
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While Syracuse typically averaged 13 turnovers per game, they faced a relentless Alabama defense. Despite previous games with lower turnover counts, Syracuse’s inability to hold onto the ball became a significant factor against Alabama. The 24 turnovers, including seven in the first quarter, allowed the Crimson Tide to stay competitive.
Syracuse’s lead, initially substantial, diminished due to careless turnovers in the second quarter. Despite expectations of Alabama’s pressing strategy, Syracuse struggled to counter effectively, leading to a tighter halftime score of 35-29.
The third quarter saw a temporary reduction in turnovers, but Alabama capitalized on Syracuse’s brief lapses, staging a comeback. The game was tied at 45, and Fair’s absence due to injury added to the challenges. However, Syracuse responded with a 10-0 run, showcasing resilience.
Fair’s return in the fourth quarter provided a boost, but turnovers persisted. A strategic shift using Fair as a decoy, drawing double-teams to ease pressure on Rice and Woolley, proved crucial. Despite the late turnover that allowed Alabama to cut the lead to two, Syracuse held firm, securing a significant win.
As Syracuse looks ahead to nonconference and ACC play, the focus remains on staying calm and poised, a lesson learned from the tense moments against Alabama. Latham emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, a quality crucial for success in upcoming challenges.