This Day in Dome History: March 9
3/9/2006 10:29:09 AM | Men's Basketball, Dome 25
More than 33,000 fans gathered in the Carrier Dome for what turned out to be Carmelo Anthony's final home game as a member of the Orange on this date in 2003. Syracuse took on Rutgers in the regular-season finale on a day that honored SU's lone senior, Kueth Duany, and included the retirement of Sherman Douglas' jersey.
The Scarlet Knights threatened to ruin the festivities, leading by as many as 13 in the first half. But the Orange stormed back and cut the lead to two at the break. Rutgers got off to quick start in the second half and built its lead back to 12 with 13:47 remaining. Syracuse slowly chipped away at the lead and trailed by seven, 62-55, with 9:41 left on the clock. During the next five minutes, SU outscored Rutgers, 14-2, and went on to a 83-74 victory in front of 33,071 fans, an NCAA on-campus record at the time.
Anthony finished with a double-double, scoring 30 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. He also added six assists, three steals and a blocked shot. Duany scored 15 points in his final appearance in the Loud House, while Gerry McNamara and Hakim Warrick each scored 11 points. Josh Pace added 10 points and six rebounds off the bench.
The win was Syracuse's seventh straight victory. The Orange advanced to the semifinals of the BIG EAST Tournament where it lost to Connecticut in the quarterfinals. Syracuse earned an invitation to the NCAA Tournament where it defeated Manhattan and Oklahoma State to advance to the Sweet 16. SU traveled a to Albany for its second weekend of March Madness. Syracuse defeated Auburn, 79-78, and Oklahoma, 63-47, for a spot in the Final Four in New Orleans. The Orange beat Texas, 95-84, in the semifinals and Kansas, 81-78, for its first national championship.
In addition to exciting men's basketball action, the Dome has been the site of the NCAA Track & Field Championships in 1984 and 1985 and the annual Hardwood Fund Dinner in 1992.
