SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Syracuse women's basketball head coach Quentin Hillsman recorded his 100th career victory in the team's 88-45 victory against St. Francis (Pa.) on Friday, Nov. 18 at the Carrier Dome. Hillsman becomes the fastest coach in SU women's basketball history to post 100 wins, reaching the milestone in his 165th game.
Four members of the Orange (2-0) scored in double figures. Three of those players recorded double-doubles. The last time three SU players accomplished the feat in the same game was against St. Francis in 2010-11. Syracuse, which led the nation in rebounding margin last year, out-rebounded St. Francis, 56-35.
"Obviously, rebounding is our strength," Hillsman said. "We did a very good job on the boards and I am happy with the rebounding effort. I think that our pressure speeds up the game and our pressure is starting to lead to some weak-side rebounds."
Junior Kayla Alexander led the Orange with 22 points. Fellow junior Elashier Hall had her second consecutive double-double of the year with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Washington, D.C. native also matched her career best with five steals. Senior Iasia Hemingway and junior Carmen Tyson-Thomas each finished with a double-double, as well. Hemingway posted 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyson-Thomas had 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Freshman Hailey Carangelo led the visiting Red Flash (0-3) with 14 points off the bench. Junior Nickia Gibbs had nine points and a team-high nine rebounds.
Syracuse seized momentum early, recording the first 13 points of the game. Hall tallied the first nine points for the host Orange. The visitors scored their first basket with 15:42 remaining in the first half. SU then proceeded to outscore St. Francis 34-17 to take a 47-19 lead at halftime.
For the second straight game, the team took its largest lead of the night on its final basket to take a 43-point advantage. Through two games, the Orange has an average margin victory of 41 points.
Syracuse is back in action on Saturday, Nov. 19 when the team hosts Lafayette. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.
**Courtesy SU Athletics**
