Cuse Defeats Uconn in 6 OvertimesAn instant classic. History in the making. The Madison Square Garden was host to one of the greatest basketball games ever played. The Syracuse Orange and Uconn Huskies battled for over 70 minutes. Johnny Flynn played 67 of those 70 minutes. Flynn took over the game in the 6th overtime after the Orange had lost all 3 of their big men. Eight players fouled out, four from each side. Hasheem Thabeet lasted longer than expected, but when he got his fifth, Uconn colla! psed. The Huskies lead for 5 overtimes, but stumbled in the sixth. Syracuse ended up winning by double digits. Eric Devendorf hit a game-winning jumper as time expired, but was a tenth of a second too late on his release. This lead to a bonus thirty minutes of play. AJ Price was fantastic for the Huskies, but Paul Harris and Johnny Flynn were better. Andy Rautins played a huge role for the Orange as well.
Did the Game Really Mean Nothing?
It w! as only a Big East Quarterfinal and both teams are solidly in ! the fiel d of 65. But, Uconn was eligible for a #1 seed, especially after West Virginia beat Pittsburgh. This Uconn loss likely drops the Huskies to a #2, unless Memphis loses in the Conference-USA Tournament. The Orange will likely not have anything left for their 9pm tip against WVU tonight, but this win was cataclysmic for them. They proved they are a national championship contender last night. The Orange have positioned themselves for a possible 3 or 4 seed. If they win the Big East, they can get a 3. If they beat West Virginia they will get a 4. The Orange gave themselves, their coach, their fans, and the country confidence that they can win it all. Johnny Flynn is one of the best players in the country an
d his heart is unmatched. Andy Rautins can hit a three from anywhere, and Paul Harris rises largest when they need him most (except for those missed lay-ups). Arinze Onuaku is a dominant post presence. Rick Jackson is a solid force off the bench as well. Devendorf is a solid player, despite his off the court issues. Jim Boeheim is one of the game's best and he said he has never been more proud of a team than he was last night. I do not think G-Mac, Melo, and Hakim Warrick would agree with that, but that's besides the point. My point is, do not tell me this game did not have meaning. It meant everything for these two teams in completely different ways. Cuse needed to prove to the world, even more importantly to themselves, that they can win it all. For Uconn, they needed to prove they can win! without Jerome Dyson. They put up a heck of a fight, but they! did not win. Their confidence is shaken.March Madness As It Stands Now
#1 seeds: North Carolina, Memphis, Louisville, Pittsburgh
Last 4 in: South Carolina, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas A&M
Last 4 out: Florida, Maryland, Ohio State, St. Mary's
