SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — Dominique Darius scored 26 points and Syracuse capitalized on a decisive edge in free throws and forced turnovers to defeat Stanford 69-58 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Sunday at the Carrier Dome.

A crowd of 3,225 watched the Orange improve to 16-3 overall, while Stanford fell to 15-5.

The most important part of the game was Syracuse’s persistent defensive pressure and its ability to consistently draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line. While Stanford struggled with its offensive execution throughout, Syracuse built and maintained its lead by generating extra possessions and capitalizing on frequent trips to the charity stripe.

Syracuse attempted 24 free throws, making 19, compared to Stanford’s 8 attempts, of which they made 7. The Orange also forced 20 Stanford turnovers, converting them into 19 points, while committing 16 turnovers of their own. Syracuse’s defensive activity resulted in 16 steals, led by the backcourt pressure that disrupted Stanford’s offensive flow.

Darius, a guard from Jacksonville, Florida, was the catalyst, playing 34 minutes and adding four assists. Her scoring, particularly from the line where she went 10 for 10, helped Syracuse answer every Stanford push. She keyed a first-quarter run that gave Syracuse a lead it would never relinquish.

After Stanford’s Nunu Agara opened the scoring with a layup, Syracuse responded with a 9-2 spurt. Darius capped the run with a 3-pointer at the 8:01 mark for a 7-2 advantage. The Orange closed the first quarter strong, with Izoje Uche scoring four points in the final two minutes to extend the lead to 21-17.

Stanford’s offensive struggles were pronounced. The Cardinal shot 34.8% from the field and managed only 10 assists against its 20 turnovers. Despite a significant 18-7 advantage in offensive rebounds, which led to a 19-6 edge in second-chance points, Stanford could not overcome its inefficiency.

Syracuse led 37-29 at halftime and maintained a comfortable margin throughout the second half. Every time Stanford threatened, the Orange responded, often from the free-throw line. A driving layup by Darius with 7:40 left in the fourth quarter pushed the lead to 54-45, and Stanford never got closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Lara Somfai led Stanford with 17 points and eight rebounds. Agara posted a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Chloe Clardy added nine points and four assists for the Cardinal.

For Syracuse, Uche recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds to go with two blocks. Sophie Burrows contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and a game-high four steals. Shy Hawkins added 10 points.

Syracuse shot 46% from the field and dished out 16 assists on its 23 made baskets. The Orange also held a notable advantage in points off turnovers, 19-9.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Stanford had been projected with a 54.40 percent probability to win.

Stanford next plays at California on Jan. 25. Syracuse travels to face North Carolina on the same date.