Wake Forest University
Syracuse
Wake Forest Falls to Syracuse in Play4Kay Game
2/11/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
By Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeWBB)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Wake Forest women's basketball team let an early lead slip away and fell to Syracuse, 71-61, on Sunday afternoon at LJVM Coliseum in the team's annual Play4Kay game.
The Demon Deacons (11-14, 3-9 ACC) used an 18-2 run to take a 33-13 lead in the second quarter. However, Syracuse (18-7, 6-6 ACC) outscored Wake Forest, 42-16, in the second half to come away with the 10-point win.
Tyra Whitehead scored 14 points in 18 minutes off the bench. The sophomore forward pulled in nine rebounds and shot 6-of-6 from the field. Alex Sharp also added 14 points to go with six rebounds. Elisa Penna scored nine points and added a season-high five assists.
After falling behind, 9-5, midway through the first quarter, the Demon Deacons went on a 12-0 run to close the quarter and take a 17-9 lead after the first 10 minutes. Wake Forest held Syracuse to just 20 percent shooting in the period.
The Deacs continued their run into the second quarter, as they began the period on a 13-4 run to establish a 33-13 lead. The Orange used an 8-0 run of their own to cut the Wake Forest lead to 40-29. The Demon Deacons responded with a 5-0 run to close the half and take 45-29 lead into the break. The team's 16-point halftime lead was its largest in ACC play this season.
Syracuse made a furious rally starting midway through the third quarter. The Orange forced eight Demon Deacon turnovers over the last five and a half minutes of the period and used an 18-2 run to take a 54-53 lead into the final 10 minutes.
The Orange scored the first six points of the fourth quarter to build a 60-53 lead. From there, their defense stifled the Wake Forest offense and they came away with the 71-61 victory.
Up next, the Deacs remain at home to host Virginia Tech this Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.
