Syracuse Stomps Louisville

James Arthur Boeheim, moments before tip off of what would be SU's 30th win of the year

The Syracuse Orange wrapped up a nearly flawless Big East season by soundly defeating the Louisville Cardinals yesterday 58-49. For this idiot, the game was thoroughly enjoyable, as not only did I get to attend it with a group of my moronic friends, thanks the the extreme generosity of one of these friends, we got to take it in from the first row of the Carrier Dome, which is was pretty awesome.

I took the photo above from my seat - but just to give you a little more flavor - this was my view all game.



Front row seats, not too shabby

We are still debating whether or not to get into the details of the trip, which is an annual event where a bunch of 30 something guys load themselves into a van and pretend everyone is 22 again,. but I can share this, there were copious amounts of adult beverages consumed and of course there was Dinosaur. Glorious, glorious Dinosaur.

A fat guy's best friend, a combo platter from the Dinosaur Barbeque

As far as the game itself, the contest was a microcosm the entire Syracuse season - which only produced on loss all year. The defense was outstanding, the Orange received contributions from multiple players, including the unexpected reemergence of Brandon Triche and James Southerland, and they went on a big run that put distance between themselves and Louisville. It was distance the Cardinals could never make up.

The story of year for this team is how well they defend. In the half court, this isn't a great offensive team. However, when they use their defense to create turnovers and run, they are lethal. There are five teams in the country better on the break than SU and those opportunities come from defense.

And while it is readily acknowledged that the team is long and active in the zone, it is striking to see just how big and long these guys are up close. If this isn't the best defensive team Boeheim has ever coached, I don't know what is. The guys have all bought in and understand completely where they should be - as evidenced by this shaky video I shot in the first half (I'll never be a surgeon).



As far as the game itself, here are a few thoughts:

- Rakeem Christmas getting the hook 45 seconds into the game and never setting foot on the floor again might be some kind of record.

- James Southerland got a lot of CJ Fair's minutes in the first half especially and acquitted himself well. He must have been playing well in practice because his last few outings prior to this one were forgettable.

- It was great to see Triche really step up, especially with Scoop having an off-night. If all three of these guys get going at the same time, look out.

- Speaking of Scoop, Donna Ditota did a fantastic profile piece on him this week. It was great work by her and tells a fantastic story. Scoop's maturity really showed in a game like this where on Senior night he saw a lot of his minutes and opportunities go to Triche and Waiters, yet he was nothing but upbeat and positive on the bench. The kid is a great story and will be a success in whatever he ends up doing in life.

- Fab Melo's defensive presence cannot be overstated. This is a different, much more porous team, with either Keita or Christmas in the middle.

- The Big East tournament really starts on Thursday, I cannot wait. There are 9 potential wins left to cap an amazing season.

Here are a few more random photos I took -- enjoy.



2-3 zone in action

Michael Carter Williams in some first half action

Boeheim working the sideline

Boeheim and Hopkins wouldn't let me into the huddle to call any plays - those selfish bastards

Louisville at the free throw line