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.