Wow.
That’s the easiest way to sum up the Connecticut vs Syracuse Big East Tournament Quarterfinal game that JUST ended. I counted six overtimes, but there could have been more. I also counted two teams worth of guts and heart, neither wanting to flinch and lose a game they must have known was going to be memorable, and an instant classic. Final Score, Orange 127, Huskies 117
Syracuse – Jonny Flynn, man among men. 34 points, 11 assists, 5 steals, and countless possessions ground out. Amazing ball handles into the lane to free up dunks and lay ups for his team, or finishing / getting fouled himself. Andy Rautins – Crazy good three point shooter, including a huge one in the 6th overtime that finally put some separation between the two teams once and for all.
Connecticut – Stanley Robinson, beast all night. It’s too bad he fouled out early. This was his coming out party. Look forward to seeing him play more in the future. AJ Price – kept moving, ball in his hands, going around screens. How hard is it to drive the lane in a 5th OT when you know you’re going to get hammered because you’ve been killed all night?
This scratches the surface. 7 man rotations were turned into 9 and 10 man rotations. 7 total players fouled out. They nearly played two full games. I know they’ll be suffering, but I’ll be pulling for the Orangemen tomorrow against West Virgina.
This is why the Big East is the best conference. It’s full of tough teams, coaches who’ve been through the wars, and the best players in the country. I am lucky to live on the west coast, so I won’t be rubbing the sleep out of my eyes while I talk about this game tomorrow.
So good night, or good morning, where ever you are, I hope you had the chance to take this in.
