Spring Break
The Daily OrangeMBB | Syracuse topples No. 22 Kansas in overtime to take CBE title
By Kyle Austin
Posted: 11/26/08, 2:04 AM EST Section: Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Jonny Flynn walked into the tunnel, both hands in the air, a model of composure.
But once the Syracuse sophomore point guard was out of sight, he couldn't contain his joy. Fists clenched at his sides, Flynn bounced up and down, sporting his famous ear-to-ear grin.
"We back, man," Flynn shouted to anyone within earshot. "We back."
Minutes earlier, Syracuse had topped No. 22 Kansas, 89-81 in overtime, to take the CBE Classic tournament championship in front of 16,988 at the Sprint Center Tuesday night.
Flynn hit a game-tying 3-pointer from the wing with six seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime, capping a 13-point second-half comeback for Syracuse. He finished the game with 25 points, and took home the tournament MVP trophy.
"We got a second chance," Flynn said. "And we took care of it."
In overtime, the Orange (5-0) leaned on Kansas (3-1) and built an insurmountable lead. After junior center Arinze Onuaku netted a bucket and foul shot on the Orange's first possession, Syracuse played near-flawless basketball and extended the lead up to nine points in front of an emptying arena.
The win marked SU's second against a ranked team in two days, following an 89-83 win over No. 17 Florida the previous night. Prior to that, the Orange hadn't beaten a ranked foe in non-conference play for more than four years.
For the SU players, it's just one sign that they're beginning to emerge into the national spotlight from the shadows of two consecutive NIT appearances.
"We did what we had to do," said junior shooting guard Eric Devendorf, who scored 20 points. "We should definitely earn our respect."
After a quiet first half, Flynn exploded for 19 points in the second half and overtime to lead the SU charge back into the game.
But with 33 seconds left in regulation, Flynn gave up a costly turnover when he allowed KU center Cole Aldrich to swipe the ball away at the top of the key and take it down to the other end. The Orange was forced to foul Aldrich, who made one of two free throws to extend Kansas' lead to three.
But once the Syracuse sophomore point guard was out of sight, he couldn't contain his joy. Fists clenched at his sides, Flynn bounced up and down, sporting his famous ear-to-ear grin.
"We back, man," Flynn shouted to anyone within earshot. "We back."
Minutes earlier, Syracuse had topped No. 22 Kansas, 89-81 in overtime, to take the CBE Classic tournament championship in front of 16,988 at the Sprint Center Tuesday night.
Flynn hit a game-tying 3-pointer from the wing with six seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime, capping a 13-point second-half comeback for Syracuse. He finished the game with 25 points, and took home the tournament MVP trophy.
"We got a second chance," Flynn said. "And we took care of it."
In overtime, the Orange (5-0) leaned on Kansas (3-1) and built an insurmountable lead. After junior center Arinze Onuaku netted a bucket and foul shot on the Orange's first possession, Syracuse played near-flawless basketball and extended the lead up to nine points in front of an emptying arena.
The win marked SU's second against a ranked team in two days, following an 89-83 win over No. 17 Florida the previous night. Prior to that, the Orange hadn't beaten a ranked foe in non-conference play for more than four years.
For the SU players, it's just one sign that they're beginning to emerge into the national spotlight from the shadows of two consecutive NIT appearances.
"We did what we had to do," said junior shooting guard Eric Devendorf, who scored 20 points. "We should definitely earn our respect."
After a quiet first half, Flynn exploded for 19 points in the second half and overtime to lead the SU charge back into the game.
But with 33 seconds left in regulation, Flynn gave up a costly turnover when he allowed KU center Cole Aldrich to swipe the ball away at the top of the key and take it down to the other end. The Orange was forced to foul Aldrich, who made one of two free throws to extend Kansas' lead to three.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
justwokeup
posted 11/26/08 @ 3:55 AM EST
we back!
Larry
posted 11/26/08 @ 8:12 AM EST
"We back" and "We should definitely earn our respect."
Happy about the win. Would be happier if our kids could speak simple English.
Marc LeVine
posted 11/26/08 @ 11:43 AM EST
Thank you, Orange, for keeping me up until almost 1 am last night - BUT IT WAS WORTH IT! What a game...what a tournament! This should make the pollsters sit up and take notice. (Continued…)
Post a Comment