CHICAGO – Behind a career-night by sophomore Rachel Coffey the Syracuse women’s basketball team (17-11, 6-8 BIG EAST) defeated No. 21/20 DePaul (20-8, 8-6 BIG EAST), 81-65 on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Coffey set four career-highs against the Blue Demons.

The victory against DePaul marked the Orange’s first win against a team ranked in both major polls since 2010. SU defeated No. 6/6 Ohio State on Dec. 11, 2010.

Coffey finished with a career-best 22 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Her six three-point field goals were a career-high, as well.

Junior Anna Martin led DePaul with 18 points on the night. Jasmine Penny and Katherine Harry recorded 16 and 11 points, respectively.

The host Blue Demons jumped out to an early 13-8 advantage to begin game. SU climbed back behind two three-point field goals by Coffey, to give the Orange its first lead of the night with 11:11 remaining.

DePaul fought back, reclaiming the lead, 32-30 before the last media timeout of the first period. The Orange weathered the storm and went into halftime leading 37-36 after a Tyson-Thomas field goal.

Coming out of the break, the teams exchanged baskets and the host Blue Demons emerged with a 43-41 lead with 17:26 remaining. SU went on to score 23 consecutive points over a 7:57 span to take a 64-43 advantage. During that period, Alexander tallied seven points. Coffey and Tyson-Thomas added six points each.

With 3:02 left in regulation, DePaul trimmed the visitors’ lead to 13, but that would be the closest it would get.

The team returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 25 when they host No. 15/14 Georgetown on Senior Day. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.

Courtesy: Syracuse University Athletics