In a heart-stopping triple-overtime battle, Syracuse guard Dominique Darius drilled a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds to secure a 90-87 win for the Orange over California on January 15, 2026, capping off a marathon contest in women’s college basketball.
The game reached its dramatic climax when, with the score tied and mere seconds remaining in the third overtime, Darius received a pass beyond the arc and calmly sank the go-ahead shot, igniting the home crowd at Syracuse. This decisive moment followed multiple lead changes throughout the extended play, with both teams displaying remarkable tenacity. The contest had stretched into overtime after California mounted a comeback in regulation, setting the stage for the thrilling finish. Syracuse initially controlled the game, building a lead through consistent scoring and defensive pressure.
However, California, led by Naya Ojukwu’s 25 points, fought back vigorously to force the first overtime. The subsequent periods saw intense back-and-forth action, with key contributions from players on both sides. Uche Izoje added 22 points for Syracuse, while Lulu Twidale for California hit crucial three-pointers, including one that pushed the game into double overtime, keeping hopes alive. Statistically, Syracuse struggled with field goal accuracy at 36% but excelled from three-point range, hitting 50% of their attempts.
They also dominated the boards with 57 rebounds compared to California’s 49. California shot better overall at 42% but was hampered by 25 turnovers, which Syracuse capitalized on to maintain pressure. The game’s flow was characterized by tight defense and opportunistic scoring, with neither team able to secure a comfortable advantage. Dominique Darius emerged as the standout performer, not only with the game-winning shot but also through key assists and steady play under pressure.
Her ability to deliver in clutch moments underscored her value to the Syracuse squad. On the opposing side, Twidale’s perimeter shooting and Ojukwu’s interior presence kept California competitive, showcasing the depth of talent on both rosters. For Syracuse, this victory boosts their season record to 15-3 overall and 5-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), enhancing their prospects for a favorable seeding in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
The win demonstrates their resilience in close games and ability to perform under pressure. California, now 10-9 and 1-5 in the ACC, faces an uphill battle in conference play but can take positives from their gritty performance against a top team. Looking ahead, Syracuse will aim to build momentum as they continue their ACC schedule, with eyes on securing a high tournament bid. California, despite the loss, will seek to learn from this experience and improve in future matchups. This epic encounter serves as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability inherent in college basketball, where every game can produce unforgettable moments.
