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Syracuse University
vs. Memphis at Coaches vs. Cancer Classic
Orangemen Lose To Memphis, 70-63, In Season Opener
11/20/2002 3:19:00 PM | Men's Basketball
NEW YORK - Syracuse lost its season opener against Memphis, 70-63, Thursday in the first game of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at Madison Square Garden.
Freshman Carmelo Anthony recorded a double-double in his collegiate debut, finishing the game with 27 points and 11 rebounds, including 21 of the Orangemen's 34 points in the first half. Anthony's performance was the best ever by an SU freshman in his first game (John Wallace, 17 points vs. Cornell, 12/1/92).
The loss was the Orangemen's first November loss since the 1996 season, and the first season-opening loss in regulation under head coach Jim Boeheim (24-3, two losses in overtime).
The Tigers scored seven straight points to lead the game early, 11-4. An additional 20-7 run gave Memphis their largest lead of the game, 30-13, partway through the first half. Syracuse recovered to cut the Tigers' half-time advantage to nine, 43-34.
The Orangemen took their first lead of the game six minutes into the second half at 51-50. They capped off an 18-3 run to take their biggest advantage of the game at 59-53.
Syracuse scored only two points in the last eight minutes of the game. Memphis secured the win with a 14-2 run making the final 70-63.
Anthony was the only player in the game to play all 40 minutes. Freshman Gerry McNamara fouled out of the game with 37 seconds left. He finished his first college outing second on the team with 14 points and three steals. Sophomore Hakim Warrick pulled down seven rebounds and had four blocks. Sophomore Josh Pace scored 10 points and had six rebounds off the bench.
Jeremy Hunt led the Tigers with 19 points and seven assists. John Grice scored 17 points, going 6-for-10 from the field, including 5-for-7 from three-point range.
Syracuse returns to the Carrier Dome on Tuesday, Nov. 19 for an exhibition against Upstate NY AAU at 7:00 pm. The Orangemen host Valparaiso in their regular season home opener on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1:00 pm.
