CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Interstat) — The Syracuse women’s basketball team used a dominant second half to defeat Virginia 79-60 on Sunday at John Paul Jones Arena. The Orange, who trailed by six at halftime, outscored the Cavaliers 51-26 after the break. Laila Phelia led all scorers with 38 points for Syracuse. Kymora Johnson paced Virginia with 19 points. Syracuse improved to 14-3 overall. Virginia fell to 13-4. The game was an Atlantic Coast Conference contest attended by 5,797 fans.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Interstat) — Laila Phelia erupted for a season-high 38 points and Sophie Burrows added 21, including six 3-pointers, to power Syracuse to a decisive 79-60 victory over Virginia in an Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball game Sunday at John Paul Jones Arena. The Orange, rebounding emphatically from a home loss to Virginia Tech earlier in the week, improved to 14-3 overall. The Cavaliers, who entered the contest with a 66.7% win probability according to National Statistical’s ELO system, saw a three-game winning streak snapped and fell to 13-4. The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the third quarter, where Syracuse transformed a competitive contest into a commanding lead. Leading 39-34 at halftime, the Orange opened the second half with a 9-2 run, capped by a Phelia 3-pointer, to establish a double-digit advantage they would never relinquish. Virginia’s offense, plagued by poor shooting and turnovers throughout the afternoon, went scoreless for over three minutes on multiple occasions, allowing Syracuse to methodically extend its lead. Syracuse’s defensive pressure was the catalyst for its offensive success. The Orange forced 18 Virginia turnovers, converting them into 29 points, while committing only 13 turnovers of their own. Syracuse also recorded 12 steals, led by Phelia’s three, which fueled their transition game and disrupted the Cavaliers’ rhythm. Offensively, Syracuse was efficient from start to finish. The Orange shot 48.3% from the field and a scorching 60% from 3-point range, with Burrows leading the long-range assault. Phelia, who had been held to 12 points in the loss to Virginia Tech, was relentless, attacking the rim and hitting from outside. She also contributed five rebounds and two assists in 38 minutes of action. Virginia, by contrast, struggled mightily with its shot. The Cavaliers shot just 42.1% overall and a dismal 19% from beyond the arc, making only 4 of 21 attempts. They also managed only five assists against their 18 turnovers, highlighting their offensive stagnation. Kymora Johnson led Virginia with 19 points, six rebounds and five assists. Caitlin Weimar added 15 points and eight rebounds, while Tabitha Amanze contributed nine points, five rebounds, five assists and four blocks. However, the Cavaliers’ interior presence and shot-blocking, which totaled eight for the game, could not compensate for their perimeter woes and ball-handling issues. Syracuse’s Izoje Uche provided a strong interior presence with nine points, seven rebounds and four assists. The Orange also benefited from a balanced playmaking effort, distributing 12 assists on 28 made field goals, with Olivia Schmitt tallying five assists off the bench. The victory marked a significant bounce-back performance for Syracuse following its 20-point defeat to Virginia Tech. It also provided a crucial road win in the ACC standings. Virginia, which had won a double-overtime thriller at Florida State in its previous outing, could not sustain that momentum on its home floor. Syracuse next hosts California on Thursday. Virginia travels to face Duke on Thursday.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Interstat) — A pivotal early-season ACC clash awaits Sunday when two of the conference’s hottest teams, Syracuse and Virginia, meet at John Paul Jones Arena. Both the Orange (13-3, 2-1 ACC) and the Cavaliers (13-3, 3-0 ACC) enter with identical overall records, setting the stage for a matchup that will clarify the league’s upper tier. Virginia, riding a six-game winning streak, looks to protect its perfect conference start. Syracuse aims to rebound from a stunning 77-57 home loss to Virginia Tech on Thursday, a performance it will seek to quickly forget. The game features a compelling duel between standout forwards. Syracuse’s Izoje Uche has been a force, averaging 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds over her last six games. Her defensive presence is paramount, as evidenced by a five-block effort against the Hokies. For Virginia, Paris Clark provides versatile production. She is coming off a 22-point, 8-rebound performance in a double-overtime win at Florida State and nearly posted a triple-double against Winthrop last month. Syracuse’s offense, which averages 73.6 points, stalled dramatically in its last outing. Re-establishing rhythm against a Virginia defense allowing just 66.1 points per game will be the Orange’s primary challenge. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have shown resilience, edging Georgia Tech 61-59 on the road before surviving the marathon at Florida State. History adds another layer, as Syracuse will look to avenge two losses to Virginia last season. The Cavaliers’ 3-0 ACC start, their best in years, has energized the program, and a raucous home crowd is expected. The winner will seize early momentum in the ACC race, while the loser must regroup quickly in a deep and competitive conference schedule. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST Sunday.