This Day in Dome History: January 2
1/2/2006 10:43:23 AM | Men's Basketball, Dome 25
The Syracuse men's basketball squad has played in the Carrier Dome eight times, including six games against BIG EAST opponents, on this date. The Orange has a 7-1 record in those contests.
One of those wins was an overtime thriller against St. John's in 1991. After a late run in the first half gave Syracuse an eight-point halftime advantage, St. John's quickly cut the lead in the second half. The second 20 minutes included eight ties and eight lead changes and the score was tied, 80-80, at the end of regulation. Billy Owens' layup gave SU the lead for good in the extra period and the Orange went on to a 92-86 victory. Owens led SU with 28 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, while Dave Johnson added 22 points and seven rebounds.
Syracuse tied a school record with 22 steals in an 87-66 victory against Rutgers in its BIG EAST opener in 2002. James Thues had a career-high nine thefts and and added eight assists. The Orange used a 25-6 run midway through the first half to take control of the game. Four SU players scored in double figured, led by Preston Shumpert's 26 points.
The Orange defeated Notre Dame, 79-70, in its BIG EAST opener on this date in 2001. Damone Brown led the way with 26 points, 13 rebounds and five blocked shots. Allen Griffin played all 40 minutes and finished the game with 20 points, 12 steals, six rebounds and six assists.
In 1999, Jason Hart scored 20 points to lead Syracuse to an 83-67 win against West Virginia. Wendell Alexis scored 21 points to help the Orange to a 68-52 victory against Boston College in 1986. In SU's only non-conference contest played in the Dome on this date, Syracuse defeated Canisius, 90-72, in 1982.
Syracuse's only loss in the Dome on this date came in 1993. BIG EAST rival Villanova spoiled Jim Boeheim's attempt at career win no. 400 as it defeated the Orange, 79-61. The win was the Wildcats' fourth straight in the Dome. Lawrence Moten led SU with 15 points.
