SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — Sophie Burrows scored 21 points and Izoje Uche added 22 points and five blocks as Syracuse edged California 90-87 in a triple-overtime women’s basketball game Thursday night at the Carrier Dome. The Orange led by 14 at halftime, but the Golden Bears mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally, outscoring Syracuse 25-9 to force overtime. The teams traded leads through three extra periods before Dominique Darius, who finished with 19 points, hit a decisive 3-pointer with 3 seconds left in the third overtime. Naya Ojukwu led all scorers with 25 points for California. Lulu Twidale added 16 points and 12 assists for the Golden Bears in the 52-minute contest. Attendance was 2,312. Syracuse improved to 15-3. California fell to 10-9.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game that stretched endurance and will across three overtimes, the Syracuse women’s basketball team outlasted California 90-87 in a nonconference thriller on Thursday night at the Carrier Dome. The marathon contest, which saw 15 lead changes and 11 ties, was ultimately decided by a cold-blooded three-pointer from Syracuse guard Dominique Darius with three seconds remaining in the third extra period. The shot from the top of the key gave the Orange the final margin and capped a night of dramatic swings before an announced crowd of 2,312. Syracuse, which improved to 15-3, appeared to have the game in hand multiple times, only to see the resilient Golden Bears, now 10-9, claw back from significant deficits. The Orange built a commanding 53-34 lead late in the third quarter, capitalizing on a 22-point second quarter fueled by defensive pressure that forced California into 24 total turnovers. Yet, California mounted a stunning fourth-quarter rally, outscoring Syracuse 25-9 in the period. The surge was spearheaded by forward Naya Ojukwu, who scored 13 of her game-high 25 points in the quarter. Her layup with 26 seconds left in regulation tied the score at 62, forcing the first overtime after Syracuse’s Sophie Burrows missed a tip-in at the buzzer. The first overtime was a back-and-forth affair, featuring five lead changes. California guard Lulu Twidale, who played a game-high 52 minutes and finished with 16 points and 12 assists, hit a deep three-pointer with six seconds left to tie the score at 74. Syracuse’s Darius was fouled on the ensuing inbounds play and made two free throws with 11 seconds remaining, but Twidale answered again, draining another three with six ticks left to force a second overtime at 77-77. Fatigue set in during the second overtime, with both teams combining for just 14 points. Syracuse took an 83-81 lead on a Darius layup with 27 seconds left, but California’s Taylor Barnes was fouled on a driving layup and made the ensuing free throw to tie the game at 83 with 54 seconds remaining. Neither team could convert on final possessions, sending the game to a third overtime. Syracuse struck first in the final frame on a Burrows three-pointer. California responded, tying the game at 87 on a pair of Mjracle Sheppard free throws with 41 seconds left. After a missed free throw by Darius, the Orange secured the offensive rebound and called timeout to set up the final play. Darius received the inbounds pass, created space and sank the game-winning three. Burrows led Syracuse with 21 points, while Darius finished with 19. Center Izoje Uche was a defensive force for the Orange, recording 22 points, five blocks and four steals, repeatedly altering shots at the rim. For California, Ojukwu’s 25 points came on efficient 9-of-14 shooting from the field, and she added 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Barnes contributed 16 points and nine rebounds. Despite being outrebounded 24-11 on the offensive glass and surrendering 17 steals, the Golden Bears stayed in the game by shooting 91.7% from the free-throw line and committing only four turnovers after the third quarter. Syracuse finished the game shooting 36.2% from the field, while California shot 41.7%. The Orange next host Stanford on Sunday. California continues its road trip at Boston College, also on Sunday.

Preview: California Golden Bears at Syracuse Orange SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — A surging Syracuse squad hosts a California team seeking consistency in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup organized by the Atlantic Coast Conference on Thursday night at the Carrier Dome. The Orange (14-3) enter with momentum, having won three of their last four, including a decisive 79-60 road victory at Virginia on Sunday. Syracuse is powered by standout guard Laila Phelia, who erupted for a career-high 38 points in that win. Phelia is averaging 19.2 points over her last five games, providing a dynamic scoring threat for one of the ACC’s top teams. California (10-8) snapped a three-game skid with a 61-52 home win over Wake Forest on Sunday. The Golden Bears are led by guard Mjracle Sheppard, who recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and seven points in the victory. Sheppard’s all-around play, averaging 5.8 assists over her last six contests, will be crucial against Syracuse’s pressure. Syracuse’s record includes notable wins over Florida State and a road victory at Wake Forest, though they suffered a 20-point loss to Virginia Tech last week. The Orange have been strong at home, with their only Carrier Dome loss this season coming against then-Duke on Dec. 28. The Golden Bears have struggled on the road, losing their last three away games, including conference defeats at North Carolina and North Carolina State. Forward Sakima Walker, who had 17 points and three blocks against Wake Forest, will need to anchor the interior against Syracuse’s balanced attack, which also features Sophie Burrows (21 points vs. Virginia) and Izoje Uche. This game serves as a final nonconference tune-up for both before resuming full ACC schedules. Syracuse faces a quick turnaround against Stanford on Sunday. California continues its East Coast trip at Boston College this weekend. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.