Weekend at Tourney's

The Syracuse Orange are preparing for post-season play after jumping out to a fast start, then faltering down the stretch.

But it's not the team you're thinking of.

The Syracuse women's basketball team has enjoyed one of the best seasons in its history, climbing as high as 18th in the USA Today Coaches Poll before slipping late in the season. Coach Quentin Hillsman seems on the verge of taking the Orange to the second NCAA Tournament berth in his seven years as head coach.

The team improved its record to 22-3 Feb. 19 after a win over Rutgers at the Carrier Dome, but dropped three of its last four games to finish 23-6. A good showing at this weekend's Big East Women's Basketball Championships in Hartford would help solidify their chance at an at-large bid to the tournament.

Kayla Alexander

www.bigeast.org

Senior center Kayla Alexander, the program's all-time high scorer, leads the team, averaging more than  17 points and 8 rebounds per game. Her 24-point, 16-rebound performance in a loss to then No. 2 Notre Dame garnered international attention, including a feature on FIBA.com.

The Orange begin their last Big East tournament (SU moves to the Atlantic Coast Conference next season) on Sunday (8:30 p.m. EST, ESPNU).