Preview: Syracuse Visits Miami in ACC Women’s Basketball Clash

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging Syracuse squad aims to continue its strong season when the 12th-ranked Orange visit the Miami Hurricanes in an Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball matchup Sunday at Watsco Center.

Syracuse (17-4, 7-3 ACC) enters riding high after a dominant 94-70 home victory over Georgia Tech on Thursday. The Orange have won four of their last five, with the lone loss coming in overtime at North Carolina. Their balanced attack features standout guard Laila Phelia, who is coming off a 23-point performance against the Yellow Jackets. Phelia has been a dynamic scorer, including a 38-point outburst at Virginia earlier this month.

Miami (12-9, 4-6) looks to rebound from a 74-58 home loss to Duke last time out. The Hurricanes have struggled for consistency in conference play, alternating wins and losses over their past six games. Their fortunes often hinge on the production of forward Ra Shaya Kyle, who scored 21 points against Duke and recorded a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double in a win over Florida State on Jan. 11.

The matchup pits Syracuse’s high-powered offense, which has scored 90 or more points three times this season, against a Miami team seeking to defend its home court and improve its postseason resume. The Orange won the first meeting last season, 65-55, in Syracuse.

For Syracuse, support for Phelia comes from guards like Dominique Darius, who added 20 points against Georgia Tech, and forward Izoje Uche, a defensive presence who had four blocks in that game. Miami will counter with guard Gal Raviv, who averages 12.1 points per game, and will need Kyle to control the interior against Syracuse’s athletic frontcourt.

This game begins a critical February stretch for both teams. Syracuse will continue a road swing at Boston College next Thursday, while Miami travels to Virginia. A win for the Orange would solidify their top-four standing in the ACC, while the Hurricanes are in need of a signature conference victory to bolster their tournament hopes.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST Sunday.