Syracuse, NY (U-WIRE) -- The Syracuse women's basketball team nearly pulled off its second upset versus No. 7 Rutgers in as many years, but ultimately fell, 69-61, at Louis Brown Athletic Center in Piscataway, N.J., on Sunday.

Syracuse closed Rutgers' lead to 48-45 with 7:19 remaining before the Scarlet Knights opened an 11-2 run to seal the win.

Cappie Pondexter led Rutgers (16-5, 7-2 Big East) and all scorers with 21 points. Syracuse (11-10, 3-7) freshman guard Jessica Richter picked up her first-career double-double, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Forward Chineze Nwagbo added 11 points and 10 rebounds. SU shot 66.7 percent in the second half, but still couldn't catch the Knights. A season-high 26 turnovers hurt the Orange.

Syracuse returns to action on Wednesday at Villanova at 7:30 p.m.

(C) 2004 Daily Orange via U-WIRE