RECAP
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Alexis Peterson scored 28 points and No. 14 Syracuse opened the season on Friday with a 95-49 win over Rhode Island.
The Orange, who return four starters from the team that lost to UConn in the NCAA championship game last spring, led 36-23 at the half and outscored the Rams 39-11 in the fourth quarter.
Briana Day had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Gabby Cooper had 12 points and Brittney Sykes 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Syracuse shot just 29 percent in the first half when 8 of 10 baskets were 3-pointers. The Orange finished 17 of 45 behind the arc, shooting 29 of 80 overall.
Dina Motrechuk had 16 points and 13 rebounds for Rhode Island. Charise Wilson made just 1 of 12 shots but that was enough to put her into the 1,000-point club. She also had 10 assists and 10 rebounds -- but also had 10 turnovers.
The Rams finished with 43 turnovers that led to 38 Syracuse points.
Orange coach Quentin Hillsman needs 10 more wins to give him a school-record 230.
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