Preview: Binghamton Bearcats at Syracuse Orange

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The surging Syracuse women’s basketball team, boasting one of the nation’s top records, will host intrastate opponent Binghamton on Tuesday night at the Carrier Dome.

The Orange (9-1) have won five straight since their lone loss at then-Michigan on Nov. 23. Syracuse’s defense has been a hallmark, holding opponents to an average of 52.7 points during the win streak. A key force is sophomore forward Izoje Uche, a dominant two-way presence. In her last four games, Uche has averaged 14 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.3 blocks, including an eight-block performance in a win at SMU on Dec. 7.

Binghamton (6-3) enters on a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating Marist 69-58 at home on Saturday. The Bearcats are led by guard Kendall Bennett, who is averaging 13.3 points over her last six contests. She scored 14 points with four blocks against Marist. Binghamton’s season, however, includes a 120-50 road loss to that same Michigan team that defeated Syracuse.

This nonconference matchup presents a stark contrast in schedule strength. Syracuse, a power conference program, is preparing for Atlantic Coast Conference play, which begins next month. Binghamton, from the America East Conference, will open its league slate in early January.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Syracuse will host Mercyhurst on Friday. Binghamton’s next game is at home against Colgate on Saturday.