‘Cuse’s Claws Clipped
Jets-Steelers aren’t the only New York-Pittsburgh highlight matchup this week. Two teams with perfect slates converged in the Steel City last night. The zone-busting Pittsburgh Panthers are still undefeated after Monday’s stomping over smooth-sailing Syracuse at Petersen Events Center. The Panthers improved to 19-0 on the season with a 74-66 victory over the third-ranked Orange. Pitt scored the first 19 points of the game during an eight minute opening run against their Big East foes. The Orange missed their first ten shots of the night. Pitt’s Nasir Robinson unloaded nine consecutive points and finished with 21 as the Panthers took sole possession of first place in the conference at 6-0.
The Orange ripped off 17 straight points after the 19-0 Panther run in the first quarter. Pitt followed with seven more points only to be followed by seven from the Orange. Syracuse’s C.J. Fair pocketed 16 points and nine rebounds in the loss. Junior guard, Ashton Gibbs, knocked down a three-pointer with three seconds remaining in the first half to give the Panthers a 31-27 halftime edge. Syracuse had four fewer rebounds than the home team in the first half and the momentum appeared to shift the Orange way after the break. Syracuse tied the score at 41 on James Southerland’s trey but Pitt’s Travon Woodall responded with a downtown bucket as Pitt re-took the lead.
Syracuse’s usually strong shooting from the field stalled in the second half. The Orange had several opportunities to take the lead but failed to score each time. Rick Jackson had ten points to go along with 11 rebounds for the Orange, who played without top scorer, Kris Joseph. The visitors tried to hold their own on the road, but their 18-0 record would fall at the hands of the clawing cats. The Panthers’ defense, ignited by a Talib Zanna block in the second half, was too much for ‘Cuse. The Panthers were able to solve Syracuse’s 2-3 zone defense as well. Pittsburgh went on a 9-1 run with 10:49 remaining to take a 53-44 lead. Robinson did not slow down in the second half. He made 8-of-12 shots from the floor and contributed eight rebounds. Senior Gary McGhee helped the Panthers gain the rebounding edge (44-30) against the conference’s best on the boards, Jackson. Brad Wanamaker finished with 15 points and Gilbert Brown added 12 for the fifth ranked Panthers. The 2003 national champion Orange fell for the first time this season and the home Panthers sifted through the second half unscathed.
Parting Points: OSU=number one in the polls
Boston beats Orlando on KG’s defensive heroics. Welcome back, Garnett.
Showing posts with label Syracuse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Syracuse. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday Take-Twos (500th post!)
The reward for downing number one Kansas and reaching the Sweet 16? A $450,000annual salary and ten year contract. That’s what Northern Iowa head coach, Ben Jacobson, will collect starting next season. Jacobson’s Panthers stunned the top seeded Jayhawks in the second round of the NCAA tournament. While nobody expects Northern Iowa to reach the Final Four, the Panthers have opened the eyes of many after reaching the Midwest regional semifinals. The school’s athletic director awarded the 39 year old men’s hoops coach a substantial raise as the Panthers prepare to play 2009 national runner-up, Michigan State. Tom Izzo’s Spartans will be without leading man, Kalin Lucas. Jacobson’s fattened check runs through 2020 but his Cinderella squad will need more than dough to shrug off the star-less Spartans in St. Louis.
The 2009-2010 New Jersey Nets haven’t exactly stockpiled wins. The team with seven wins to 63 hapless losses managed to add another victory last night at the IZOD Center. The Nets are trying to avoid the stigma of being crowned the worst team in NBA history. Wednesday’s 93-79 triumph over the Sacramento Kings was a step in the right direction. New Jersey snapped an eight game losing streak and fourteen game home slide behind Brook Lopez’ 26 points. Nets’ point guard, Devin Harris added 24 for the league’s bottom feeders. New Jersey needs to win two of their final 11 games to avoid the distinction of fewest victories in a season. The ’72-73 hold that claim, a record nobody wants. The 24-48 visiting Kings presented a winnable game for Kiki Vandeweghe’s Nets, and they grabbed the rare opportunity to ring up the W.
Out for the Orange against Butler today is Syracuse center, Arinze Onuaku. The 6’9” Onuaku injured his quadriceps in the Big East tournament win over Georgetown and has missed the Big Dance so far. It didn’t matter for Jim Boeheim’s Orange, who dominated Vermont and Gonzaga without their fourth leading scorer on the court. Syracuse’s size advantage should be enough to compete with fifth seeded Butler in the Sweet 16 matchup today in Salt Lake. Boeheim still boasts a fairly tall lineup. The Bulldogs played the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament as the higher seed. Now they assume the more familiar role of the lower seeded underdog in the West Regional semifinals. Perennial mid-major, Butler trailed at halftime during both victories but pulled themselves together with strong second halves. The Bulldogs are 9-3 after trailing at the break. The Orange are a team known for getting behind in games, so this game presents an interesting matchup. The Bulldogs don’t turn the ball over very often and are excellent in robbing opponents inside the zone. Syracuse should focus their commitment on defense and taunting and forcing the Butler players to shoot from outside. They must not allow the Bulldogs an opportunity to attack the zone. The Orange held Vermont and Gonzaga to a combined 18% shooting from beyond the arc, while they themselves hit 46.8% from downtown. Balanced scoring is another Butler strength the Orange need to nullify in order to book tickets to the Elite Eight.
Michigan State and Syracuse aren’t the only Sweet 16 teams bitten by the injury bug. West Virginia lost guard Darryl Bryant for the remainder of the tournament. The sophomore, affectionately nicknamed “Truck”, broke his right foot during the Mountaineers’ Tuesday practice. Junior Joe Mazzulla will likely occupy Bryant’s slot in Bob Huggins’ lineup when WVU plays Washington tonight at the Carrier Dome.
Parting Points: The Yankees hand the fifth starter job to Phil Hughes.
“No matter how far life pushes you down, no matter how much you hurt, you can always bounce back.”- Birthday girl, Sheryl Swoopes
The 2009-2010 New Jersey Nets haven’t exactly stockpiled wins. The team with seven wins to 63 hapless losses managed to add another victory last night at the IZOD Center. The Nets are trying to avoid the stigma of being crowned the worst team in NBA history. Wednesday’s 93-79 triumph over the Sacramento Kings was a step in the right direction. New Jersey snapped an eight game losing streak and fourteen game home slide behind Brook Lopez’ 26 points. Nets’ point guard, Devin Harris added 24 for the league’s bottom feeders. New Jersey needs to win two of their final 11 games to avoid the distinction of fewest victories in a season. The ’72-73 hold that claim, a record nobody wants. The 24-48 visiting Kings presented a winnable game for Kiki Vandeweghe’s Nets, and they grabbed the rare opportunity to ring up the W.
Out for the Orange against Butler today is Syracuse center, Arinze Onuaku. The 6’9” Onuaku injured his quadriceps in the Big East tournament win over Georgetown and has missed the Big Dance so far. It didn’t matter for Jim Boeheim’s Orange, who dominated Vermont and Gonzaga without their fourth leading scorer on the court. Syracuse’s size advantage should be enough to compete with fifth seeded Butler in the Sweet 16 matchup today in Salt Lake. Boeheim still boasts a fairly tall lineup. The Bulldogs played the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament as the higher seed. Now they assume the more familiar role of the lower seeded underdog in the West Regional semifinals. Perennial mid-major, Butler trailed at halftime during both victories but pulled themselves together with strong second halves. The Bulldogs are 9-3 after trailing at the break. The Orange are a team known for getting behind in games, so this game presents an interesting matchup. The Bulldogs don’t turn the ball over very often and are excellent in robbing opponents inside the zone. Syracuse should focus their commitment on defense and taunting and forcing the Butler players to shoot from outside. They must not allow the Bulldogs an opportunity to attack the zone. The Orange held Vermont and Gonzaga to a combined 18% shooting from beyond the arc, while they themselves hit 46.8% from downtown. Balanced scoring is another Butler strength the Orange need to nullify in order to book tickets to the Elite Eight.
Michigan State and Syracuse aren’t the only Sweet 16 teams bitten by the injury bug. West Virginia lost guard Darryl Bryant for the remainder of the tournament. The sophomore, affectionately nicknamed “Truck”, broke his right foot during the Mountaineers’ Tuesday practice. Junior Joe Mazzulla will likely occupy Bryant’s slot in Bob Huggins’ lineup when WVU plays Washington tonight at the Carrier Dome.
Parting Points: The Yankees hand the fifth starter job to Phil Hughes.
“No matter how far life pushes you down, no matter how much you hurt, you can always bounce back.”- Birthday girl, Sheryl Swoopes
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Perfect in Providence
Scintillating Syracuse is a fun team to follow. The fourth ranked Orange remained perfect on the road this season after defeating Providence 99-85. Syracuse improved to 26-2 and 13-2 in the Big East with a win over the Friars Tuesday night in Rhode Island’s Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Rick Jackson and Andy Rautins scored 28 points each to steer Syracuse to a shootout success.
Providence’s 85 points were the most by any Syracuse opponent this season. The Friars fired ten first half 3-pointers, and finished the game with a fervent fourteen. Providence tallied 13 points in the opening period to take the lead after the Orange built a 34-25 edge in the game’s first six minutes. Rautins rolled a 3-pointer just before the half, and has been hitting 57% from downtown through the last three games. The Orange found themselves down by five at the half. Providence shot 59% in the stirring first half. It was just the second time this season the Orange trailed at the break. The home team took a 55-47 advantage on Jamine Peterson’s trey to open the second half. Peterson and Marshon Brooks both scored 23 points for Providence. The Orange were forced to get defensive after halftime. Jim Boeheim’s Orange held Providence to one basket over a nine minute span in the third period. The Friars, losers of six straight games, went 4-for-14 from the arc in the second half.
Syracuse slashed the Friars’ lead with fourteen unanswered points to start the second half. Brandon Triche followed his steal with a fastbreak layup and Wes Johnson notched a jumper to complete the 14-0 run for Syracuse. The Orange decimated a 55-47 deficit into a crushing 73-57 advantage. Syracuse pushed the lead for good in the game’s last fifteen minutes. Providence lacked any inside punch as the Orange’s perimeter defense adjusted from protecting the high post to stuffing the outside shot. The Friars hardly responded to the change in coverage. Providence pounded 16 points in the paint during the second half after scoring 18 in the first. The Friars were outscored 52-33 in the second half. They also committed 16 turnovers, including 11 after the half. Feisty Orange forward, Arinze Onuaku collected 12 points and nine rebounds in nineteen minutes. Johnson had 10 points, five steals and three blocks in the win. The victory gives Syracuse a first round double bye in the conference tournament and a number one seed in the NCAAs. Tuesday’s triumph in Providence host Villanova at the Carrier Dome on Saturday. An Orange win coupled with any Pittsburgh loss would give Syracuse at least a share of the Big East title. Boeheim’s club has yet to lose a conference game this season.
Parting Points:
Hump day hit- Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You”
Happy Birthday, Mom-
“You too, my mother, read my rhymes
For love of unforgotten times,
And you may chance to hear once more
The little feet along the floor.” -Robert Louis Stevenson
Providence’s 85 points were the most by any Syracuse opponent this season. The Friars fired ten first half 3-pointers, and finished the game with a fervent fourteen. Providence tallied 13 points in the opening period to take the lead after the Orange built a 34-25 edge in the game’s first six minutes. Rautins rolled a 3-pointer just before the half, and has been hitting 57% from downtown through the last three games. The Orange found themselves down by five at the half. Providence shot 59% in the stirring first half. It was just the second time this season the Orange trailed at the break. The home team took a 55-47 advantage on Jamine Peterson’s trey to open the second half. Peterson and Marshon Brooks both scored 23 points for Providence. The Orange were forced to get defensive after halftime. Jim Boeheim’s Orange held Providence to one basket over a nine minute span in the third period. The Friars, losers of six straight games, went 4-for-14 from the arc in the second half.
Syracuse slashed the Friars’ lead with fourteen unanswered points to start the second half. Brandon Triche followed his steal with a fastbreak layup and Wes Johnson notched a jumper to complete the 14-0 run for Syracuse. The Orange decimated a 55-47 deficit into a crushing 73-57 advantage. Syracuse pushed the lead for good in the game’s last fifteen minutes. Providence lacked any inside punch as the Orange’s perimeter defense adjusted from protecting the high post to stuffing the outside shot. The Friars hardly responded to the change in coverage. Providence pounded 16 points in the paint during the second half after scoring 18 in the first. The Friars were outscored 52-33 in the second half. They also committed 16 turnovers, including 11 after the half. Feisty Orange forward, Arinze Onuaku collected 12 points and nine rebounds in nineteen minutes. Johnson had 10 points, five steals and three blocks in the win. The victory gives Syracuse a first round double bye in the conference tournament and a number one seed in the NCAAs. Tuesday’s triumph in Providence host Villanova at the Carrier Dome on Saturday. An Orange win coupled with any Pittsburgh loss would give Syracuse at least a share of the Big East title. Boeheim’s club has yet to lose a conference game this season.
Parting Points:
Hump day hit- Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You”
Happy Birthday, Mom-
“You too, my mother, read my rhymes
For love of unforgotten times,
And you may chance to hear once more
The little feet along the floor.” -Robert Louis Stevenson
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Connecticut Comeback Crushed
Syracuse squandered a 48-34 lead with 14 minutes left to play, but held on to defeat Connecticut 72-67 in men’s college basketball. The second ranked Orange held a 16 point lead in the second half before the Huskies pulled within three points. UConn staged a furious rally to tie the score, but couldn’t get over the hump. Wednesday was the first time since the epic six overtime affair between the Big East rivals. Syracuse hung on to top Connecticut and snag their 11th straight victory. The Orange improved to 24-1 overall. For the Huskies, the game marked their sixth road loss of the season. UConn is 0-6 on the road and 1-5 against ranked opponents. Syracuse is on a ten game winning streak for the second time this season.
Rick Jackson led the Orange with 15 points but it was the Huskies’ Jerome Dyson leading all scorers with 19 points and five assists. Dyson notched the tying basket with 2:33 to play. The Connecticut senior guard paced the Huskies and was 7-of-21 from the field with 8 rebounds. The game tying shot was followed by a critical and controversial timeout call. The Huskies didn’t wilt, even after being down by seven at the intermission and trailing by as many as 10 in the first half. Even without Jim Calhoun on the sidelines, Connecticut ripped through the Carrier Dome hard enough to scare the Orange. Stanley Robinson added 16 points for the visiting team, but only made two second half points. Kemba Walker accounted for 14 and Gavin Edwards 12 for UConn. Syracuse junior, Scoop Jardine, clocked 21 minutes and scored 7 points. Wes Johnson finished with a baker’s dozen points and matched teammate, Arinze Onuaku, with a game high nine rebounds.
Dyson missed a chance to give the Huskies the lead with over a minute left when jumper bounced off the rim. Andy Rautins, the Orange’s indispensible senior guard, scored eight points but was summoned to the bench after being whistled for his fourth foul at 50-34 ‘Cuse. The offense wobbled and the defense allowed the Huskies back in the game without Rautins. The Huskies went on a 14-2 run and were within one point (61-60) after a Dyson trey with just over four minutes. Connecticut outrebounded the Orange in the second half 26-14. They dominated the glass but were unable to control the game. Syracuse managed to survive the contest on a pair of Johnson free throws with 33 second remaining. The Orange lead would not be threatened again. Dyson missed a three-pointer with 13.5 seconds and Kris Joseph hit two more from the charity stripe to give the Orange a four point edge. This matchup wasn’t heading into overtime. It ended in regulation with the Orange coming out winners.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow
Happy Birthday Sheryl!
Rick Jackson led the Orange with 15 points but it was the Huskies’ Jerome Dyson leading all scorers with 19 points and five assists. Dyson notched the tying basket with 2:33 to play. The Connecticut senior guard paced the Huskies and was 7-of-21 from the field with 8 rebounds. The game tying shot was followed by a critical and controversial timeout call. The Huskies didn’t wilt, even after being down by seven at the intermission and trailing by as many as 10 in the first half. Even without Jim Calhoun on the sidelines, Connecticut ripped through the Carrier Dome hard enough to scare the Orange. Stanley Robinson added 16 points for the visiting team, but only made two second half points. Kemba Walker accounted for 14 and Gavin Edwards 12 for UConn. Syracuse junior, Scoop Jardine, clocked 21 minutes and scored 7 points. Wes Johnson finished with a baker’s dozen points and matched teammate, Arinze Onuaku, with a game high nine rebounds.
Dyson missed a chance to give the Huskies the lead with over a minute left when jumper bounced off the rim. Andy Rautins, the Orange’s indispensible senior guard, scored eight points but was summoned to the bench after being whistled for his fourth foul at 50-34 ‘Cuse. The offense wobbled and the defense allowed the Huskies back in the game without Rautins. The Huskies went on a 14-2 run and were within one point (61-60) after a Dyson trey with just over four minutes. Connecticut outrebounded the Orange in the second half 26-14. They dominated the glass but were unable to control the game. Syracuse managed to survive the contest on a pair of Johnson free throws with 33 second remaining. The Orange lead would not be threatened again. Dyson missed a three-pointer with 13.5 seconds and Kris Joseph hit two more from the charity stripe to give the Orange a four point edge. This matchup wasn’t heading into overtime. It ended in regulation with the Orange coming out winners.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow
Happy Birthday Sheryl!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
'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.
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.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
‘Cuse Crushed in Conference Clash at Carrier
Pittsburgh’s ten point win Saturday at the Carrier Dome knocked the Orange from the ranks of the unbeaten in college basketball. Number five Syracuse suffered their first loss of the season, and fourth straight at home to the Panthers. Syracuse was stifled by their unranked Big East opponents, 82-72. The Orange couldn’t fend off the best defensive team in the conference, shot under their average 54% from the field, and got into foul trouble throughout the afternoon. Pittsburgh made upstate New York feel like a home arena in handling the Orange and erasing a three point halftime deficit to pick up their second win in conference play. Syracuse dropped to 1-1 in the Big East and 13-1 overall.
The top scoring team in the Big East, Syracuse, was lead by senior Wesley Johnson’s 19 points. The Iowa State transfer was recruited by Panthers coach, Jamie Dixon, two years ago. Johnson failed to register an assist against Dixon’s revamped Pittsburgh roster. The Orange has only 12 assists in the game, nearly ten below their season average. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, came into Saturday’s showdown the second lowest scoring team in the Big East. The physical Panthers went on an uncharacteristic offensive splurge after struggling through the first half. Pitt made just ten of their first 30 shots in the first half. Ashton Gibbs and Jermaine Dixon kept the visitors in the game, excelling on offense and accounting for 23 of the 27 first half points. Pittsburgh came out firing and was efficient in the second half to stop the Orange from their first 14-0 season start in ten years.
Syracuse relied on strong second half defense to win their Big East opener against Seton Hall earlier in the week. The Orange defense wasn’t the problem yesterday. The offense was never able to rally after Pittsburgh ignited a 16-4 run to start the second half. The Orange were also nailed for 19 fouls in the game’s final twenty minutes. Johnson and Rick Jackson were called for four fouls to take whatever Syracuse spunk remained in the final quarter. Pittsburgh capitalized on Syracuse’s miscues and accurately made their free throws in the second half. Gibbs set a school record when he secured his 35th consecutive free throw, and finished the day with 37. The Panthers jumped on Jim Boeheim’s team with just 18 minutes remaining in the game. Brad Wanamaker slated a pair of free throws and the Panthers went on a 9-0 run to make it 43-34 in their favor. The Orange pulled back to within two with 11:18 in the contest. Johnson converted two Scoop Jardine misses and keyed an 8-1 Orange run. Gibbs used his long range accuracy to keep the Panthers in the lead down the stretch. The sophomore guard hit three 3-pointers in tihe span of four minutes for the cats. Pittsburgh resumed control by scoring 15 of their next 20 points, preventing any comeback from the undefeated Orange.
The Panthers were 10 of 24 from the arc. Syracuse’s solo shot from the rainbow was from Andy Rautins, the Orange leader in assists Saturday. Gibbs bucketed six from downtown and scored 24 points to lead the Panthers. Dixon, Wanamaker and freshman, Dante Taylor, all finished in double digits. Gibbs grabbed eight rebounds and Nasir Robinson added seven for the winning Panthers. Kris Joseph tacked on nine rebounds for the Orange. Syracuse came into Saturday’s home game leading the conference in margin of victory. They were beating opponents by an average of 25 points per game. For some reason, the Panthers have the Orange’s number. They seem to hand Syracuse some of their worst defeats and lopsided losses whenever they tip-off. History was on Pitt’s side Saturday. It was on Dixon’s side too. The Panther coach is 7-2 against teams ranked in the top five. The Panthers tenacity and mental toughness in hostile environments is an enduring characteristic of Dixon’s teams. It doesn’t matter who leaves the team for the NBA. Dixon usually finds a way to instill and affirm confidence in his ballclub for significant games. The inexperienced and young Panthers passed their first of three tough road tests. Cincinnati and Connecticut are up next for Pittsburgh. Perhaps upending and upsetting the unbreakable and unblemished Orange was the hardest one.
Parting Points: There are four unbeaten teams left in college basketball. Kansas thumped Temple yesterday and Kentucky held on to survive Louisville. The Texas Longhorns and Purdue Boilermakers are surprisingly still undefeated too.
Can the Cowboys contain DeSean Jackson today to win the NFC East? He had only two receptions in the first game against Dallas. Maybe the ‘Boys will hold the soaring Eagle receiver to one today.
Band of the day- Hootie and the Blowfish
The top scoring team in the Big East, Syracuse, was lead by senior Wesley Johnson’s 19 points. The Iowa State transfer was recruited by Panthers coach, Jamie Dixon, two years ago. Johnson failed to register an assist against Dixon’s revamped Pittsburgh roster. The Orange has only 12 assists in the game, nearly ten below their season average. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, came into Saturday’s showdown the second lowest scoring team in the Big East. The physical Panthers went on an uncharacteristic offensive splurge after struggling through the first half. Pitt made just ten of their first 30 shots in the first half. Ashton Gibbs and Jermaine Dixon kept the visitors in the game, excelling on offense and accounting for 23 of the 27 first half points. Pittsburgh came out firing and was efficient in the second half to stop the Orange from their first 14-0 season start in ten years.
Syracuse relied on strong second half defense to win their Big East opener against Seton Hall earlier in the week. The Orange defense wasn’t the problem yesterday. The offense was never able to rally after Pittsburgh ignited a 16-4 run to start the second half. The Orange were also nailed for 19 fouls in the game’s final twenty minutes. Johnson and Rick Jackson were called for four fouls to take whatever Syracuse spunk remained in the final quarter. Pittsburgh capitalized on Syracuse’s miscues and accurately made their free throws in the second half. Gibbs set a school record when he secured his 35th consecutive free throw, and finished the day with 37. The Panthers jumped on Jim Boeheim’s team with just 18 minutes remaining in the game. Brad Wanamaker slated a pair of free throws and the Panthers went on a 9-0 run to make it 43-34 in their favor. The Orange pulled back to within two with 11:18 in the contest. Johnson converted two Scoop Jardine misses and keyed an 8-1 Orange run. Gibbs used his long range accuracy to keep the Panthers in the lead down the stretch. The sophomore guard hit three 3-pointers in tihe span of four minutes for the cats. Pittsburgh resumed control by scoring 15 of their next 20 points, preventing any comeback from the undefeated Orange.
The Panthers were 10 of 24 from the arc. Syracuse’s solo shot from the rainbow was from Andy Rautins, the Orange leader in assists Saturday. Gibbs bucketed six from downtown and scored 24 points to lead the Panthers. Dixon, Wanamaker and freshman, Dante Taylor, all finished in double digits. Gibbs grabbed eight rebounds and Nasir Robinson added seven for the winning Panthers. Kris Joseph tacked on nine rebounds for the Orange. Syracuse came into Saturday’s home game leading the conference in margin of victory. They were beating opponents by an average of 25 points per game. For some reason, the Panthers have the Orange’s number. They seem to hand Syracuse some of their worst defeats and lopsided losses whenever they tip-off. History was on Pitt’s side Saturday. It was on Dixon’s side too. The Panther coach is 7-2 against teams ranked in the top five. The Panthers tenacity and mental toughness in hostile environments is an enduring characteristic of Dixon’s teams. It doesn’t matter who leaves the team for the NBA. Dixon usually finds a way to instill and affirm confidence in his ballclub for significant games. The inexperienced and young Panthers passed their first of three tough road tests. Cincinnati and Connecticut are up next for Pittsburgh. Perhaps upending and upsetting the unbreakable and unblemished Orange was the hardest one.
Parting Points: There are four unbeaten teams left in college basketball. Kansas thumped Temple yesterday and Kentucky held on to survive Louisville. The Texas Longhorns and Purdue Boilermakers are surprisingly still undefeated too.
Can the Cowboys contain DeSean Jackson today to win the NFC East? He had only two receptions in the first game against Dallas. Maybe the ‘Boys will hold the soaring Eagle receiver to one today.
Band of the day- Hootie and the Blowfish
Monday, May 18, 2009
Pucks, Paulus, Papi & Preakness
Detroit Red Wings goalie, Chris Osgood, made 30 saves in a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks Sunday. The Red Wings lead the Western Conference finals 1-0 and play again on Tuesday night in Detroit. Dan Cleary emerged as the leading scorer for the defending Stanley Cup champions. The forward matched a playoff career high with two goals. Cleary was originally drafted by the Blackhawks. Adam Burish put the Blackhawks on the scoreboard with the early lead at 5:25 into the game. Cleary throttled the puck into the net a minute later for the equalizer. Johan Franzen collected his first goal of the series in the second period to give the Red Wings the 2-1 advantage. Clearly scored the game winning goal in Detroit’s previous series with Anaheim. With three minutes left in Game 7, he popped the puck into the net to stave off elimination and send Detroit to the next round. After last night, the dangerous Clearly has five total goals this post-season.
During the regular season, the Blackhawks lost each of the first four meeting between the teams. The Red Wings capped off a memorable 6-4 victory at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Day. Chicago bounced back during the regular season’s final weekend with two wins of a home-and-home set. The Blackhawks have been a resilient team ever since. This season marks their first conference final since 1995. The Red Wings are playing in their third straight final so clearly have experience on their side. Chicago is the only team in the NHL to improve its record each of the past four years. The young Blackhawks are going to need stars Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook and Dave Bolland. Kane and Toews were held without a point during Sunday night’s opening loss. Toews attempted three shots but Kane was shotless. Seabrook showed sloppiness when Cleary slyly stole the puck from him. A goal by Kris Versteeg on a power play made it a 2-2 contest. Chicago was competitive but Detroit broke the game open in the third period. The Blackhawks are 7-0 when leading after two periods so the murky outlook was not favoring Chicago. Despite 38 stopped shots by goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, the Blackhawks couldn’t prevent Cleary from twisting a wrister for his second goal midway through the third. Mikael Samuelsson fired the go-ahead score for the Red Wings and Henrik Zetterberg stifled an empty-net goal.
When playing away from the United Center, the team thrives on the road. It’s beneficial to underscore their 22-15-4 road record and give the 4th seeded Blackhawks a chance to win Game 2 in Motown. The team trailed in each of their four victories against Vancouver during the playoffs’ second round. The battle-tested Hawks then scored 14 goals in the third period or overtime to rally for wins. The team responds to adversity.
Right winger, Marian Hossa, missed part of the third period after a collisions with Andrew Ladd. He is expected to be fine for Tuesday night and I think is a significant player for Detroit. The addition of Hossa to the Red Wings make them a deeper team than last year’s champs. The 30 year old Czech native is a 12 year league veteran. Hossa played 9 seasons for the Ottawa Senators and his defense is an overrated aspect of his game. Offensively, Marian compiled 40 goals, 31 assists and 71 points for Detroit this year. The Red Wings downfall is their paltry penalty killing but they have too much experience to be knocked around by Chicago. They rely on playoff-tested Nicklas Lidstrom, Franzen, Zetterberg, Brian Rafalski, and Pavel Datsyuk. Osgood is a sharp goaltender with quick hands. The vets were tried during the Anaheim series and rugged Chicago is going to throw everything at them in order to tire them out. The Blackhawks might be catching the Red Wings at the right time. The skaters’ stamina surely was slowed during the stifling Ducks series. However, the Red Wings 11 Stanley Cups make them the big kids on the block and frontrunners for the trophy in 2009.
Former Duke point guard, Greg Paulus, announced he will attempt to play quarterback for Syracuse football this fall. The decision to try out for the Orange capped off a two-month process of workouts for the Green Bay Packers, Michigan and Nebraska. Paulus chose to return to upstate New York because he starred for the football program at Christian Brothers Academy. The All-American played 139 basketball games at Duke. He helped the Blue Devils to the ACC title during his freshman and senior seasons. Paulus lost his starting job last year and was relegated to a reserve role. He still ranks among Duke career leaders in 3-pointers with 210 and assists with 468. Syracuse has not had a winning football team since 2001. Paulus will compete for the quarterback job for the Orange after inquiring about the same position at Duke. Thaddeus Lewis is already the rising quarterback for the Blue Devils but head coach, David Cutcliffe, offered Paulus a wide receiver role. The point guard turned him down and elected to be an unsigned recruit for Doug Marrone. Paulus brings prep football experience but hasn’t technically taken a snap since 2005. As a high school signal-caller, he passed for 153 touchdowns and finished with a 42-3 record. Paulus was considered one of the best quarterback prospects in his class. He has to wait for the NCAA to grant him an academic waiver for eligibility for 2009 after graduating Duke this month. If he is granted the waiver, Marrone will have Paulus taking snaps alongside senior, Cameron Dantley and red shirt freshman, Ryan Nassib. Dantley started 11 games for the Orange in 2008. I think it’s cool how Paulus is choosing to go back to upstate New York. Marrone is an offensively-minded head coach and the addition just might work out to be a good fit for Syracuse.
Prostrate Papi’s perplexing perils are puzzling all of New England. Nobody can seem to explain the dropoff from David Ortiz’s digressing bat. The Red Sox’ slumping slugger was signaled to the sidelines by manager, Terry Francona for the weekend series in Seattle. Ortiz will not play again until the team returns to Fenway on Tuesday. Big Papi is in the worst slump of his career and is at a low point mentally. He went 0-7 for the first time Thursday against the Angels. Ortiz stranded an astonishing and franchise record-tying 12 runners on base during the 5-4 loss. The brusque power surge is missing from his stick. The struggling DH needs a break to clear his head, according to his manager. His bat looks mighty weak and Ortiz started the Spring at a staggeringly slow pace. The once overly-aggressive Ortiz is hitting only .208 and does not have a homerun after two months of baseball. His 15 RBIs are way off the mark for this type of player and this time of year. David used to be one of the most productive hitters with runners on base and two outs. It seems like Ortiz is pressing because of some off the field issues, but Big Papi denies any outside distractions. He may just not be seeing the ball well. Francona is debating how to reintroduce his prized player into the lineup against Toronto. At least Big Papi has the support of his teammates while he tries to reestablish himself. I can’t say what the deal is for sure, but to me, Ortiz misses Manny’s bat. His approach is not the same. David also have an undisclosed ailment nagging his burly body. There is also the steroids question. There is an unwritten assumption Ortiz is a juiced athlete. While I cannot rule it out, I doubt he is failing because he is no longer cycling ‘roids. Furthermore, he simply may be getting old. Players are bound to break down eventually, even perceived immortal Boston stars. The Sox’ sorrows are small because it is only May. Eventually, the team may have to consider finding Ortiz’ replacement. That will place Boston’s hierarchy in a peculiar predicatment.
Rangy Rachel Alexandra shot to the finish line and was never seriously challenged Saturday at Pimlico. The lads lost their luster this time. A philly won the Preakness Stakes over Kentucky Derby long-shot, Mine That Bird. Bird came in second and Musket Man ended in third, the same as he finished in he Derby. The conquering Rachel Alexandra was undefeated in four tries this year and was ridden by Calvin Borel. Borel was in the saddle for Mine That Bird’s victory the first week of May and now has two of the three triple crown race wins on his resume. The great Alexandra was victorious in the biggest philly race in America. Rachel made herself a spectacle when she won the Kentucky Oaks the day before the Kentucky Derby. Borel rode her then and now the philly is ranked the number one 3-year old by the NTRA. The horse was bigger than most of the males she raced against Saturday. She was ahead by four lengths going down the stretch and won the Preakness by a length. Rachel became the first horse to win at Pimlico from the number 13 post. She stumbled slightly out of the gate but struck ahead, shaking Big Drama loose. That passing opened up a four-length lead at the top of the stretch where the gelding, Mine That Bird challenged her. Rachel took the heat, Borel guided her to the finish line as if in a whimsy and a surprised crowd witnessed a rarity in Baltimore. Nellie Morse was the last philly to win the Preakness in 1924. The 9-5 favorite may not race in the grueling 1 mile Belmont Stakes. Trainer, Steve Asmussen, is hesitant to allow his horse to run three races in five weeks. If she does ride and win, the striking horse could make Borel a Triple Crown jockey. I would like to explore and delve into an enticing encounter between Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexander come June. Mine That Bird is looking for a jockey, but is slated to race the Belmont. And their off…let the bets begin!
Parting points: Today’s tune- “Face Down” by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
During the regular season, the Blackhawks lost each of the first four meeting between the teams. The Red Wings capped off a memorable 6-4 victory at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Day. Chicago bounced back during the regular season’s final weekend with two wins of a home-and-home set. The Blackhawks have been a resilient team ever since. This season marks their first conference final since 1995. The Red Wings are playing in their third straight final so clearly have experience on their side. Chicago is the only team in the NHL to improve its record each of the past four years. The young Blackhawks are going to need stars Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook and Dave Bolland. Kane and Toews were held without a point during Sunday night’s opening loss. Toews attempted three shots but Kane was shotless. Seabrook showed sloppiness when Cleary slyly stole the puck from him. A goal by Kris Versteeg on a power play made it a 2-2 contest. Chicago was competitive but Detroit broke the game open in the third period. The Blackhawks are 7-0 when leading after two periods so the murky outlook was not favoring Chicago. Despite 38 stopped shots by goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, the Blackhawks couldn’t prevent Cleary from twisting a wrister for his second goal midway through the third. Mikael Samuelsson fired the go-ahead score for the Red Wings and Henrik Zetterberg stifled an empty-net goal.
When playing away from the United Center, the team thrives on the road. It’s beneficial to underscore their 22-15-4 road record and give the 4th seeded Blackhawks a chance to win Game 2 in Motown. The team trailed in each of their four victories against Vancouver during the playoffs’ second round. The battle-tested Hawks then scored 14 goals in the third period or overtime to rally for wins. The team responds to adversity.
Right winger, Marian Hossa, missed part of the third period after a collisions with Andrew Ladd. He is expected to be fine for Tuesday night and I think is a significant player for Detroit. The addition of Hossa to the Red Wings make them a deeper team than last year’s champs. The 30 year old Czech native is a 12 year league veteran. Hossa played 9 seasons for the Ottawa Senators and his defense is an overrated aspect of his game. Offensively, Marian compiled 40 goals, 31 assists and 71 points for Detroit this year. The Red Wings downfall is their paltry penalty killing but they have too much experience to be knocked around by Chicago. They rely on playoff-tested Nicklas Lidstrom, Franzen, Zetterberg, Brian Rafalski, and Pavel Datsyuk. Osgood is a sharp goaltender with quick hands. The vets were tried during the Anaheim series and rugged Chicago is going to throw everything at them in order to tire them out. The Blackhawks might be catching the Red Wings at the right time. The skaters’ stamina surely was slowed during the stifling Ducks series. However, the Red Wings 11 Stanley Cups make them the big kids on the block and frontrunners for the trophy in 2009.
Former Duke point guard, Greg Paulus, announced he will attempt to play quarterback for Syracuse football this fall. The decision to try out for the Orange capped off a two-month process of workouts for the Green Bay Packers, Michigan and Nebraska. Paulus chose to return to upstate New York because he starred for the football program at Christian Brothers Academy. The All-American played 139 basketball games at Duke. He helped the Blue Devils to the ACC title during his freshman and senior seasons. Paulus lost his starting job last year and was relegated to a reserve role. He still ranks among Duke career leaders in 3-pointers with 210 and assists with 468. Syracuse has not had a winning football team since 2001. Paulus will compete for the quarterback job for the Orange after inquiring about the same position at Duke. Thaddeus Lewis is already the rising quarterback for the Blue Devils but head coach, David Cutcliffe, offered Paulus a wide receiver role. The point guard turned him down and elected to be an unsigned recruit for Doug Marrone. Paulus brings prep football experience but hasn’t technically taken a snap since 2005. As a high school signal-caller, he passed for 153 touchdowns and finished with a 42-3 record. Paulus was considered one of the best quarterback prospects in his class. He has to wait for the NCAA to grant him an academic waiver for eligibility for 2009 after graduating Duke this month. If he is granted the waiver, Marrone will have Paulus taking snaps alongside senior, Cameron Dantley and red shirt freshman, Ryan Nassib. Dantley started 11 games for the Orange in 2008. I think it’s cool how Paulus is choosing to go back to upstate New York. Marrone is an offensively-minded head coach and the addition just might work out to be a good fit for Syracuse.
Prostrate Papi’s perplexing perils are puzzling all of New England. Nobody can seem to explain the dropoff from David Ortiz’s digressing bat. The Red Sox’ slumping slugger was signaled to the sidelines by manager, Terry Francona for the weekend series in Seattle. Ortiz will not play again until the team returns to Fenway on Tuesday. Big Papi is in the worst slump of his career and is at a low point mentally. He went 0-7 for the first time Thursday against the Angels. Ortiz stranded an astonishing and franchise record-tying 12 runners on base during the 5-4 loss. The brusque power surge is missing from his stick. The struggling DH needs a break to clear his head, according to his manager. His bat looks mighty weak and Ortiz started the Spring at a staggeringly slow pace. The once overly-aggressive Ortiz is hitting only .208 and does not have a homerun after two months of baseball. His 15 RBIs are way off the mark for this type of player and this time of year. David used to be one of the most productive hitters with runners on base and two outs. It seems like Ortiz is pressing because of some off the field issues, but Big Papi denies any outside distractions. He may just not be seeing the ball well. Francona is debating how to reintroduce his prized player into the lineup against Toronto. At least Big Papi has the support of his teammates while he tries to reestablish himself. I can’t say what the deal is for sure, but to me, Ortiz misses Manny’s bat. His approach is not the same. David also have an undisclosed ailment nagging his burly body. There is also the steroids question. There is an unwritten assumption Ortiz is a juiced athlete. While I cannot rule it out, I doubt he is failing because he is no longer cycling ‘roids. Furthermore, he simply may be getting old. Players are bound to break down eventually, even perceived immortal Boston stars. The Sox’ sorrows are small because it is only May. Eventually, the team may have to consider finding Ortiz’ replacement. That will place Boston’s hierarchy in a peculiar predicatment.
Rangy Rachel Alexandra shot to the finish line and was never seriously challenged Saturday at Pimlico. The lads lost their luster this time. A philly won the Preakness Stakes over Kentucky Derby long-shot, Mine That Bird. Bird came in second and Musket Man ended in third, the same as he finished in he Derby. The conquering Rachel Alexandra was undefeated in four tries this year and was ridden by Calvin Borel. Borel was in the saddle for Mine That Bird’s victory the first week of May and now has two of the three triple crown race wins on his resume. The great Alexandra was victorious in the biggest philly race in America. Rachel made herself a spectacle when she won the Kentucky Oaks the day before the Kentucky Derby. Borel rode her then and now the philly is ranked the number one 3-year old by the NTRA. The horse was bigger than most of the males she raced against Saturday. She was ahead by four lengths going down the stretch and won the Preakness by a length. Rachel became the first horse to win at Pimlico from the number 13 post. She stumbled slightly out of the gate but struck ahead, shaking Big Drama loose. That passing opened up a four-length lead at the top of the stretch where the gelding, Mine That Bird challenged her. Rachel took the heat, Borel guided her to the finish line as if in a whimsy and a surprised crowd witnessed a rarity in Baltimore. Nellie Morse was the last philly to win the Preakness in 1924. The 9-5 favorite may not race in the grueling 1 mile Belmont Stakes. Trainer, Steve Asmussen, is hesitant to allow his horse to run three races in five weeks. If she does ride and win, the striking horse could make Borel a Triple Crown jockey. I would like to explore and delve into an enticing encounter between Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexander come June. Mine That Bird is looking for a jockey, but is slated to race the Belmont. And their off…let the bets begin!
Parting points: Today’s tune- “Face Down” by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Friday, March 13, 2009
Scintillating Syracuse Survives Sextuplet Stunner
I am glad I had my radio on at 1:30 A.M. It’s true I was lying in bed, half asleep, listening to the finale of the Big East quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden. I couldn’t turn the radio off, not with the smashing and shocking Syracuse headed into their sixth overtime against Connecticut. I tuned in to listen and fell asleep before the first extra session began. Luckily, the excited voices of the enthusiastic announcers awakened and astonished me out of my slumber. The first overtime instigated a never-ending saga unfolding right before my tired eyes (or ears I should say).
The game is an instant classic and it wasn’t even a championship one. March madness hasn’t officially kicked off, but this is exactly what college basketball is all about. Both teams’ hearts could not have been measured until last night’s epic effigy of a battle. It was as if the jerseys were iridescent and you could see the hearts pumping inside each players’ chest. Syracuse and Connecticut carved themselves into Big East history with the longest conference game ever played. The 127-117 Syracuse win featured many special highlights but here are a few of the standout figures and notable facts:
-The Orangemen did not take a lead during any of the overtime sessions until the 6th and final one.
-70 total minutes of basketball were played and Orange point guard, Jonny Flynn logged a whopping 67 of those minutes.
-8 players fouled out of the game, four on each team
-The 3 hour 46 minute game was the second longest in NCAA Division I history
-Flynn had 34 points and 11 assists, Paul Harris had 29 points and 22 rebounds, Eric Devendorf had 22 points and Andy Rautins had 20 points to lead ‘Cuse. Rautin’s 3-pointer early in the 6th OT was probably the game-deciding blow. He sunk the shot and was an overall critical clutch performer.
-Syracuse made 40 of 51 free throws and Flynn was a perfect 16-16 from the line.
-A.J. Price had 33 points and 10 assists, Stanley Robinson had 28 points and Hasheem Thabeet had 19 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocked shots for the Huskies.
The Orangemen move on now to the semifinals this evening against Bob Huggins and the West Virginia Mountaineers. The Mountaineers shocked Pittsburgh and are looking for a trip to the Big East finals. Pitt appeared wretched against the walloping West Virginia. Syracuse fans are probably pleased Pitt was purged because most would rather see WVU tonight. The upset-minded Orangemen are coming off a tiring game and I wonder just how much gas they have left. Jim Boeheim needs his players well rested so I expect they will have a very light practice today before returning to the scene of their greatest game. Meanwhile, Jim Calhoun and the formally potential number one seeded Huskies get a break to rest before selection Sunday. Connecticut and Pittsburgh are still hoping to land those top seeds but both are unlikely to get them now that they’ve been eliminated from their conferences. The knockout blows will hurt their seedings but I think the Panthers still have an outside chance. If the selection committee is kind, Jamie Dixon’s talented team can land a number one. They’ve been one of the nation’s most well-rounded teams all season.
In the other Big East semifinal, the Louisville Cardinals face Villanova. There has to be some Villanova vexation after Jay Wright’s team allowed Marquette to masquerade late yesterday afternoon. Had the Golden Eagles come back to beat Nova, it would have spelled the greatest comeback in league history. But, the Wildcats escaped with late heroics and look to upset the top team tonight at MSG. Rick Pitino’s Cardinals should earn a number one seed this weekend if they reach the Big East final game. Even if they fail to advance, they are Final Four contenders.
Flynn said after the Syracuse victory it was the funnest game he ever played in. I must say Flynn is one of the funner players on the court to watch. He can take over a game and he was unquestionably the shining, spinning, stylish star for Syracuse. You had to believe in Syracuse after seeing them battle early Friday the 13th morning. But you also have to give credit to the Huskies for giving their all and staying affluent throughout the contest. The box score doesn’t do justice to just how rocking, rolling and rumbling an affair went down in NYC. Syracuse acted as if it were their prerogative to stay afloat, and they certainly managed to establish damage control.
Parting points: Prediction for the Big East final- Louisville vs. Syracuse
The game is an instant classic and it wasn’t even a championship one. March madness hasn’t officially kicked off, but this is exactly what college basketball is all about. Both teams’ hearts could not have been measured until last night’s epic effigy of a battle. It was as if the jerseys were iridescent and you could see the hearts pumping inside each players’ chest. Syracuse and Connecticut carved themselves into Big East history with the longest conference game ever played. The 127-117 Syracuse win featured many special highlights but here are a few of the standout figures and notable facts:
-The Orangemen did not take a lead during any of the overtime sessions until the 6th and final one.
-70 total minutes of basketball were played and Orange point guard, Jonny Flynn logged a whopping 67 of those minutes.
-8 players fouled out of the game, four on each team
-The 3 hour 46 minute game was the second longest in NCAA Division I history
-Flynn had 34 points and 11 assists, Paul Harris had 29 points and 22 rebounds, Eric Devendorf had 22 points and Andy Rautins had 20 points to lead ‘Cuse. Rautin’s 3-pointer early in the 6th OT was probably the game-deciding blow. He sunk the shot and was an overall critical clutch performer.
-Syracuse made 40 of 51 free throws and Flynn was a perfect 16-16 from the line.
-A.J. Price had 33 points and 10 assists, Stanley Robinson had 28 points and Hasheem Thabeet had 19 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocked shots for the Huskies.
The Orangemen move on now to the semifinals this evening against Bob Huggins and the West Virginia Mountaineers. The Mountaineers shocked Pittsburgh and are looking for a trip to the Big East finals. Pitt appeared wretched against the walloping West Virginia. Syracuse fans are probably pleased Pitt was purged because most would rather see WVU tonight. The upset-minded Orangemen are coming off a tiring game and I wonder just how much gas they have left. Jim Boeheim needs his players well rested so I expect they will have a very light practice today before returning to the scene of their greatest game. Meanwhile, Jim Calhoun and the formally potential number one seeded Huskies get a break to rest before selection Sunday. Connecticut and Pittsburgh are still hoping to land those top seeds but both are unlikely to get them now that they’ve been eliminated from their conferences. The knockout blows will hurt their seedings but I think the Panthers still have an outside chance. If the selection committee is kind, Jamie Dixon’s talented team can land a number one. They’ve been one of the nation’s most well-rounded teams all season.
In the other Big East semifinal, the Louisville Cardinals face Villanova. There has to be some Villanova vexation after Jay Wright’s team allowed Marquette to masquerade late yesterday afternoon. Had the Golden Eagles come back to beat Nova, it would have spelled the greatest comeback in league history. But, the Wildcats escaped with late heroics and look to upset the top team tonight at MSG. Rick Pitino’s Cardinals should earn a number one seed this weekend if they reach the Big East final game. Even if they fail to advance, they are Final Four contenders.
Flynn said after the Syracuse victory it was the funnest game he ever played in. I must say Flynn is one of the funner players on the court to watch. He can take over a game and he was unquestionably the shining, spinning, stylish star for Syracuse. You had to believe in Syracuse after seeing them battle early Friday the 13th morning. But you also have to give credit to the Huskies for giving their all and staying affluent throughout the contest. The box score doesn’t do justice to just how rocking, rolling and rumbling an affair went down in NYC. Syracuse acted as if it were their prerogative to stay afloat, and they certainly managed to establish damage control.
Parting points: Prediction for the Big East final- Louisville vs. Syracuse
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