Syracuse University
Coaches vs. Cancer Final vs. Memphis
'Cuse Claims Coaches vs. Cancer Classic Crown, 77-62
11/20/2004 12:40:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NEW YORK, NY -- Syracuse standouts Hakim Warrick and Gerry McNamara had season high scoring outputs of 25 and 21, respectively, to lead the #5/6 Orange (4-0) past #24/23 Memphis (3-1) in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic Championship game at New York's Madison Square Garden.
For the second night in a row, Syracuse pulled away in the second half. With the Orange clinging to a 56-53 lead with 6:44 left, SU went on a 19-6 run. McNamara had seven points and sophomore Terrence Roberts had two dunks in the stretch.
Memphis used the three-point shot to keep the contest close for most of the way. Sharpshooting guard Rodney Carney had 20 points at the break, including four three pointers. SU had a 31-29 edge at the intermission, thanks in part to a seven-point lift off the bench from sophomore Louie McCroskey.
The Tigers' first five buckets of the second half were threes, including two from Sean Banks. Syracuse extended its 2-3 zone and held Memphis to 10-of-34 shooting (.294) in the second half.
McNamara's 21 points including a nine-for-nine effort from the foul line. He had a team-best four assists and two steals. Roberts, McCroskey and classmate Demetris Nichols each had seven points for the Orange. Senior Craig Forth led the unit with six boards.
Syracuse converted 24-of-48 (.500) from the field and 25-of-32 (.781) from the free-throw line. SU also held a rebound edge, 36-30.
SU plays at Siena next Saturday, November 27, at 1:00 p.m. in the Pepsi Arena.
