'Cuse Climbing in Conference

The Syracuse Orange came up on the winning end of a basketball game, something they’ve been doing plenty of this season. It was the 22nd time and ninth straight win for the program. The Orange cruised to their best start in school history and are currently ranked third in the nation. Sophomore Syracuse reserve, Kris Joseph, poured in a career high 23 points in his team’s Tuesday topping of Providence. Center, Arinze Onuaku piled on a season-high 20 in the 85-68 frying of the Friars at the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse improved to 14-1 this season after blowing most of a ten point first half lead. The Orange pounded the ball inside during an 11-0 run early in the contest. The hosts took an 18-8 lead with just over seven minutes into regulation. Syracuse shot 57.6% from the field but held just a three point advantage heading into halftime. Vincent Council logged 16 points and nine assists for Providence. The Friars’ freshman scored the final eight buckets of the first half as Providence closed in on the Orange lead. Jamine Peterson added 25 points for the visitors who have lost four of their last five games. Peterson was 3-of-8 from the arc and knocked down 11 rebounds in the loss. Marshon Brooks snagged 14 points for visiting Providence.
Onuaku was owner of half the Orange’s eight blocks Tuesday night. The senior charged the court in the second half, beginning with a resounding two-hand dunk. He fronted the 22-5 push to begin the second half and scored eight points in the paint in a seven minute stretch. Rick Jackson paired with Onuaku down low to contribute a career-high seven assists. The Friars came into the contest ranked fifth nationally in scoring. They managed just over 40% from the field and barely escaped a season low in points with 65. Providence did find gaps in the Orange zone and converted backdoor layups to stay within reach. But the Friars only had four second-chance points in the opening half. The Orange defense was too aggressive and succeeded in derailing the staggering Friars down the stretch. Wes Johnson, the Orange’s leading scorer, played only three minutes in the second half after crashing hard to the court during the first half. Johnson drained three pointers to punish Providence early on before being replaced in the second half. Syracuse humbled Keno Davis’ Friars with their deep bench. Joseph boosted the Orange off the pine with consistent play. Syracuse went out in front 64-41 with 11:24 remaining. The commanding surge was aided by Providence turnovers and Joseph’s four steals. Brandon Triche keyed the first half scoring to finish with 15 points for the Orange. Triche also went without a turnover in recording four assists at the Carrier Dome showdown. Villanova stands in the way of an Orange first place Big East standing. The second ranked Wildcats are 20-1 overall and undefeated in the conference. They’ve ripped off 11 straight victories. Syracuse’s only Big East loss came on the first game of 2010, a ten point plummeting against Pittsburgh. Villanova raids the Carrier Dome February 27th to close out the month with the most anticipated Big East game of the season. Conference bragging rights could very well be on the line.

Parting Points: Happy National Singing Day!

Sad note- Dick McGuire passed away today.