This game really felt like three games in one. The Orange got off to a hot start and were up 24-11 less than six minutes into the game. Then the Friars got strong three point shooting and the Syracuse defensive intensity dropped, resulting in Providence charging ahead to an eight point lead just after halftime. In the third, and final, stanza the Orange stepped it back up on both sides of the ball, got a big lead with 10 minutes left in the game and cruised from there until the end. Some interesting tidbits from the box score:
- Whether it was bad defense or the result of a few hot hands, both teams really tickled the twine from behind the three point line. The Orange were 10-21. Most of the credit goes to Andy Rautins who was 8 for 12 from three point range. Providence was 14-33 or 42.4%. As always, Syracuse showed that they can be susceptible to a hot three point shooting team. That’s just the risk you take playing a 2-3 zone.
- The Orange were impressive on the boards, winning the total battle 37-24, and pulling in 17 offensive rebounds to the Friars’ 8.
- Syracuse took care of the ball better in this game with a reasonable 12 turnovers.
- Besides Andy Rautins and his hot shooting, huge props go to stat sheet stuffer Rick Jackson who had 28 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. He shot 13 of 17 from the field.
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