Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Sluggish Syracuse Shoots by Coppin State

At least one SU player showed up and brought his A game to the Orange's Monday night game vs the Coppin State Eagles. Andy Rautins electrified the Carrier Dome crowd lighting up the Eagles with nine three pointers and a couple of free throws to total 29 points on the night. His nine three's set a Carrier Dome record for most three's hit by a SU player in a game at the Dome. It also tied SU's single game record, held by Gerry McNamara in which he also hit nine three's in the first round of the 2004 NCAA Tournament against BYU.

Every Syracuse starter scored in double figures. Jonny Flynn and Arinze Onuaku both had double- doubles and Rick Jackson continued his hot play by scoring ten points. Paul Harris chipped in fifteen points and nine boards.

Coming into this game, it was obvious that Coppin State was a one man show. That was seen again Monday night as Tywain McKee lit up the Orange for 31 points. The sharp shooter from Philly shot over the Syracuse 2-3 zone all night.

After spending a lot of energy taking out Memphis on Saturday, SU looked tired and looked like they were looking forward to going home for a nice break for the holidays. Syracuse was slow on defense and were out hustled for most of the game. The game was tight all the way until a big Syracuse run opened the Orange lead late in the game.

Syracuse now has an eight day break until it opens up Big East play on December 30 when Seton Hall comes into the Dome. The Orange will have to step their game up to a new level for the rest of the year if they want to remain a top contender in the toughest conference in college basketball.

Top 10 Games I witnessed at the Dome- #10

#10- Cleveland State vs SU (men's basketball): 2008

This game was a late edition to my list. As much as it hurts me to put a game on this list that SU lost, it was too unbelievable of a finish to get left off. Syracuse was outplayed the entire game but rallied once again and tied the game on an Arinze Onuaku lay in with 2.2 seconds left. The whole place was getting ready to see five minutes of extra basketball. Cedric Jackson must of had some plans for after the game that could not wait. He sank a 60 footer at the buzzer to give Cleveland State the stunning win and sent the dome crowd in complete shock.

Like I said, it hurts me to put this game on the list, but it was a once and a lifetime shot and truly amazing to witness so I had to put it on here.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

SU- Coppin State Preview

On Monday night the Syracuse Orange will welcome the Coppin State Eagles. The Orange come into this game on a two game winning streak after being stunned by Cleveland State last Monday. Syracuse picked up a big non- conference win at #21/23 Memphis Saturday night moving their overall record to 11-1.

The Eagles on the other hand, have not gotten off to as well of a start as they would have hoped for. They come into the game with a 1-7 record after losing a hard fought game at Wisconsin on Saturday night. The Eagle's best player is Tywain McKee. The 6' 2'' guard from Philly leads the Eagles in virtually every offensive category. He averages 19.3 ppg and collecting 4.4 rpg.

Syracuse better be careful not to get trapped by this game. They can not lose the intensity they had in the Memphis game and play down to their opponent like they have on many occasions this year( Richmond, Cornell, Cleveland State).

I predict a big game for the Orange and a big win for this ball club. Hopefully I'm right.

Top 10 Games I witnessed at the Dome

I've spent a great deal of my young life watching games in the Dome. Over the next ten days or so, I am going to be posting a countdown of the top ten games I've seen. I will post one game per day with a recap of the game as well.

Flynn Carries Cuse

Despite a bummed hip, Syracuse Sophomore guard Jonny Flynn led the orange to a huge win over the Memphis Tigers Saturday night. This was Syracuse's third win over a top 25 opponent so far this year. Syracuse was playing its first game without star shooting guard Eric Devendorf, who was out due to being suspended indefinitely by the university.

Syracuse started slow in the game getting down by 10 early. But Flynn took the orange on his back and led the team to a 35-33 halftime lead. Syracuse controlled the game for much of the second half, only losing the lead once. Memphis took a 1 point lead with around 8 minutes left in the game but Flynn quickly went to the hole and scored a lay up to give the orange the lead for good.

Rick Jackson, getting his first career start, continued his hot play of late pouring in 14 points and 7 rebounds. Paul Harris also had a solid game with 15 points and 8 boards.

This was a very good win for this Syracuse team and they will hope to continue with this intensity Monday when Coppin State comes to the Dome and on into the start of Big East play.