Griffin Keys BET Victory Against Friars
3/9/2001 3:14:47 PM | Men's Basketball
NEW YORK, NY - Allen Griffin made key plays in the final minutes as Syracuse held on for a 55-54 victory against Providence to advance to a BIG EAST Tournament semifinals.
After falling behind 6-2, the Orangemen went on a 19-0 run keyed by nine points from Preston Shumpert...The Orange defense held Providence to just 24 percent shooting from the field and an 0-for-10 effort from three-point land in constructing a 32-17 lead at the half.
The Friars found their range in the second half, hitting three three-pointers and a bucket before Syracuse scored... Back-to-back threes put Providence ahead 47-43 with 7:59 remaining.
The score was tied, 49-49, with five minutes left, setting up an exciting finish.
Griffin found Billy Celuck for a layup, Providence answered with one free throw and Griffin countered with a layup and a free throw...Another from the charity stripe by Shumpert put Syracuse ahead 55-50...The Orangemen yielded a tip and then a last-second layup and held on.
Damone Brown posted his 15th double-double of the season with 12 points and a contest-best 15 rebounds... Six of his boards came on the offensive glass...He also had two blocks to top both squads...SU got important steals from Shumpert and DeShaun Williams in the final 2:30.
