Syracuse, NY – The Syracuse Orange placed a 36-game home winning streak on the line today against the St John’s Red Storm. After dropping games on the road to Villanova & Pittsburgh the Orange would rebound at home with a victory over Notre Dame 63-47. Syracuse freshman, Jerami Grant, noted that a strong defensive effort has brought the team’s confidence back to where it needs to be.
Syracuse Sr, James Southerland, was cleared to rejoin his team after being ineligible academically for the previous 6 games.
The Orange would waste no time in getting the offensive jump on St. John’s, leading 21-10 mid-way into the first half. St. Johns star D’Angelo Harrisson was held to just 6 points while Triche & Carter-Williams took care of a large chunk of the SU offence with 20 points combined.
The Red Storm would not lay down as they clawed their way back to 5 points after the break. Harrison along with St John’s forward, Jakarr Sampson would fight to keep their team within striking distance for a stretch run. Syracuse slowed the pace and with 11 seconds remaining Carter-Williams nailed a 3-pointer to give himself and C.J Fair 17 points each. Call the final 77-58, Orange over the Red Storm and the home team has its 37-game winning streak at The Dome intact.
Coach Boeheim spoke about having Southerland back in the line-up. “You know he’s going to be nervous a little bit. He was a little off in the first half but he got the same shots in the second half and he’s going to make those shots if he gets them.”
Southerland talked about getting his first basket. “I thought the first one would come a bit sooner but I’m glad it came. I missed a whole month, I’m glad there are 3 games this week to get some playing time.”
Syracuse now goes on the road for 2 games against Connecticut & Seton Hall. There will be history to be made when they return however, The Orangemen will retire the #15 jersey of NBA star Carmelo Anthony. Assistant Director of Athletics, Sue Edson, spoke about the Feb 23 Game. “We have already sold over 33,000 tickets and reconfigured the floor to allow for more seating, there is always a great atmosphere here and we plan on breaking the old attendance record of 34,616.”
Anthony brought home The Orangeman’s only NCAA tournament title in 2003, as he was named the Most Outstanding Player in their run to the championship. Coach Boeheim noted that he was the best player in college basketball at that time.
Story By Leon T. Switzer
Photos By Richard A. Whittaker
