Slow start costs Cal women in ACC Tournament loss to Syracuse

"Cal couldn't overcome its lowest scoring half of the season and the 21-point deficit it caused and lost 70-59 to Syracuse in the women's ACC Tournament on Thursday afternoon. Uche Izoje recorded 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead Syracuse (23-7) to its first ACC Tournament win since 2021."

"After trailing 37-16 at halftime while shooting just 25 percent from the field and committing 10 turnovers, the Golden Bears did stage a big comeback in their eventual second-round loss, closing within four points midway through the fourth quarter."

"A 3-pointer from Lulu Twidale pulled the Bears within 56-52 midway through the fourth quarter. Syracuse answered behind Izoje, who scored during a decisive stretch late in the game. Laila Phelia connected with Izoje on an alley-oop that pushed the lead to 61-53 with just over three minutes remaining."

Syracuse defeated Cal 70-59 in the women's ACC Tournament second round in Duluth, Georgia. Cal struggled offensively in the first half, shooting just 25 percent and committing 10 turnovers while trailing 37-16 at halftime. Despite mounting a comeback in the second half and closing within four points midway through the fourth quarter, Cal could not overcome the deficit. Uche Izoje led Syracuse with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Laila Phelia added 17 points. Sakima Walker led Cal with 19 points, followed by Lulu Twidale with 14 and Gisella Maul with 13. Syracuse advances to face No. 12-ranked Louisville in the quarterfinals, while Cal awaits a postseason tournament invitation.

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