Syracuse, NY-With four players scoring in double figures led by Mossi Staples with 21 points, and an early lead within the first half, the Eagles fell shy to Syracuse University for a final score of 93-75. The Eagles are now 2-8 for the season as Syracuse advances to 7-2.
Staples went off for a season high 21 points, five assists and a team high two steals. Jewel Watkins was a prominent force with 19 points and eight rebounds. Jalynda Salley had her 12th career double-double with a season high 13 points and a team high 10 rebounds to place her top ten in CSU all-time history for career rebounds. Colleen Bucknor finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. Hope Evans led all players for a career high seven assists along with six points and five rebounds.
Staples had a hot hand early, as she opened the quarter with a pair of threes. Syracuse struggled as Watkins scored a quick four points to extend 12-4 lead. Staples scored an and one off the fast break before hitting another three pointer for 13 points in the first quarter alone. The Eagles led the first quarter 27-23.
Coppin maintained momentum through the second quarter, and capitalized off offensive rebounds for an 11-2 advantage in second change points. Bucknor and Salley had a combined eight points off of put backs the second quarter alone. With a consistent lead throughout the remainder of the half, the Orange forced two turnovers to reverse the lead in the remaining minutes of the half. Salley closed the half with a turnaround jumper at the buzzer.
The Eagles kept the wheels turning in the third quarter, and found success with scoring in the paint. Salley led the quarter with eight points. The Eagles sustained a six point differentiation off of multiple scoring runs. Buckor scored back to back layups for a two point game (59-57). Staples hit a buzzer-beater in the paint to close the quarter trailing by six (70-64).
After exchanging points with Syracuse in the fourth quarter, Dyaisha Fair ended up putting the Orange on her back to pull away with a double digit lead, resulting in a win for Syracuse.
Up Next: The Eagles will be back on the road to face against St. Francis in Loretto, Pennsylvania for a 3pm tip-off. Fans can tune in on NEC Front Row.
