Friday, March 13, 2009

Syracuse Tops UConn In Thriller


The Syracuse Orange defeated the Connecticut Huskies 127-117 in six overtimes, to advance to the next game in the Big East Championship tournament. This game took about three hours and 45 minutes, which is the second longest Division I game in college basketball history. There were extraordinary numbers that came from this game. Six players altogether had double doubles, and Syracuse guard Johnnie Flynn played 67 minutes, out of a possible 70.


Eight players altogether were fouled out of the game, and both teams combined for 102 points in the overtime sessions. Also, Syracuse, who ended up winning the game, never led at any point in the overtime sessions until the sixth and final overtime. Both teams came in ranked in the top 25. For Connecticut, this may cost them a #1 seed, even though that is doubtful. For Syracuse, this may bring them from a potential #6 or #5 seed to a #4 seed if they can win the Big East championship.


This was a huge classic. This could probably be the best college basketball game ever. Both teams were exhausted afterwards and rightfully so. Flynn gave the most heroic effort, playing 67 minutes. Syracuse has to play West Virginia in the next game as well, so they may be very tired. I think this could affect them in their game against West Virginia, and they should look to run against them to win the game. Syracuse is still the better team, but West Virginia may play like the better team in their matchup.

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