Spring Break
The Daily OrangeMBB | Steady Syracuse holds off No. 17 Florida in CBE Classic
By Kyle Austin
Posted: 11/24/08, 11:53 PM EST Section: Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Syracuse team that now gives itself the label "veteran squad" has learned a few things during the past year. How to stay calm on a national stage. How to close out an opponent. How to distribute the scoring and play solid team basketball.
All were on display Monday night, as Syracuse beat No. 17 Florida, 89-83, here at the Sprint Center in the semifinals of the College Basketball Experience, playing a composed game throughout and disposing of a solid Gator (3-1) team. The game marked Syracuse's first win against a ranked, non-conference team since Nov. 19, 2004, when it beat Memphis.
The Orange (4-0) will play No. 22 Kansas tomorrow at 9 p.m., in the finals of the CBE tournament. The Jayhawks beat Washington, 73-54, in the second semifinal Wednesday.
Syracuse had five players score in double-figures, and two players - forward Paul Harris and center Arinze Onuaku - record double-doubles. Harris and Jonny Flynn led the way with 18 points apiece.
This time last year, the Orange was floundering through its non-conference schedule, losing to Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The team that showed flashes of promise in between bouts with futility appears to have transformed into a consistent team. That's what another year will do.
"You see the top teams in the country, and they have more juniors and seniors on the team, have more experience on the team," Flynn said. "So another year under our belt really helped us in situations like this."
Monday's game was a lesson in playing even-keeled basketball. Time and time again, as Florida hit big shots, Syracuse was there to answer them. In the first half, when the Gators gradually heated up behind the hot shooting of Erving Walker, Syracuse shooting guard Andy Rautins was there to stave them off with five first-half three pointers.
With the score tied at 33, and less than two minutes remaining in the half, Rautins drained back-to-back treys to ensure a halftime lead for Syracuse.
All were on display Monday night, as Syracuse beat No. 17 Florida, 89-83, here at the Sprint Center in the semifinals of the College Basketball Experience, playing a composed game throughout and disposing of a solid Gator (3-1) team. The game marked Syracuse's first win against a ranked, non-conference team since Nov. 19, 2004, when it beat Memphis.
The Orange (4-0) will play No. 22 Kansas tomorrow at 9 p.m., in the finals of the CBE tournament. The Jayhawks beat Washington, 73-54, in the second semifinal Wednesday.
Syracuse had five players score in double-figures, and two players - forward Paul Harris and center Arinze Onuaku - record double-doubles. Harris and Jonny Flynn led the way with 18 points apiece.
This time last year, the Orange was floundering through its non-conference schedule, losing to Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The team that showed flashes of promise in between bouts with futility appears to have transformed into a consistent team. That's what another year will do.
"You see the top teams in the country, and they have more juniors and seniors on the team, have more experience on the team," Flynn said. "So another year under our belt really helped us in situations like this."
Monday's game was a lesson in playing even-keeled basketball. Time and time again, as Florida hit big shots, Syracuse was there to answer them. In the first half, when the Gators gradually heated up behind the hot shooting of Erving Walker, Syracuse shooting guard Andy Rautins was there to stave them off with five first-half three pointers.
With the score tied at 33, and less than two minutes remaining in the half, Rautins drained back-to-back treys to ensure a halftime lead for Syracuse.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Marc LeVine
posted 11/25/08 @ 9:17 AM EST
Nice win for the 'Cuse, but the team they beat resembled in no way Florida's championship teams of the past. This was a very young team coming off a disappointing season that crumbled fast after a good start. (Continued…)
Pat Brennan
posted 11/25/08 @ 9:35 AM EST
What a big win! Even with empty stands, the Orange displayed their new strength. Flynn & Devendorf were reliable when they were needed in the 2nd half. (Continued…)
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