Preview: Duke Blue Devils at Syracuse Orange SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — A surging Syracuse women’s basketball team, boasting one of the nation’s top records, will host a Duke squad seeking consistency when the Atlantic Coast Conference foes meet Sunday at the Carrier Dome. The Orange (11-1) have won nine straight games since their lone loss at Michigan on Nov. 23. Their dominant run includes a 106-40 rout of Mercyhurst last Friday, where Izoje Uche posted 23 points and 11 rebounds in just 20 minutes. Uche has been a force, averaging 15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.3 blocks over her last six contests, including an eight-block performance at SMU on Dec. 7. “We’re playing with great confidence and purpose on both ends,“ Syracuse coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. “Our defense has been the catalyst, and we’re sharing the ball beautifully in transition.“ The Blue Devils (6-6) have shown flashes, most recently in a 76-46 road win at Belmont on Dec. 20. They are 3-1 in their last four games, with the only loss coming to then-LSU. Sophomore forward Toby Fournier has led the resurgence, averaging 19.8 points over that stretch, including a 26-point effort against Belmont. “Toby is playing at an elite level, and we need that to continue against a very physical Syracuse frontcourt,“ Duke coach Kara Lawson said. “This is a great ACC test for us to see where we stand.“ The matchup inside will be critical. Uche’s rim protection for Syracuse will be challenged by Fournier’s versatile scoring. Duke will also rely on guard Ashlon Jackson, who dished out eight assists against Belmont. Syracuse’s defense, allowing just 54.8 points per game during its win streak, will aim to disrupt Duke’s rhythm. The Orange lead the ACC in blocked shots, anchored by Uche. Duke holds a 17-9 advantage in the all-time series, but Syracuse won last season’s meeting, 75-67, in Durham, North Carolina. The game tips off at 2 p.m. EST Sunday. Syracuse opens ACC play at home against Florida State on Jan. 1, while Duke begins its conference slate at home against Boston College the same day.