Syracuse University
Georgetown University
Orange Defeated In BIG EAST Conference Quarterfinal, 91-84
3/11/2010 3:37:47 PM | Men's Basketball
Georgetown 91, Syracuse 84
Syracuse Quotes
NEW YORK – 22/22 Georgetown used a strong second half to upset 3/3 Syracuse, 91-84, in the quarterfinals of the BIG EAST Championship on Friday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. BIG EAST Player of the Year Wes Johnson led the Orange with 24 points, seven rebounds, three steals and a pair of blocks in the loss.
Johnson was one of seven players who scored for Syracuse, including four in double figures. Redshirt sophomore Scoop Jardine had 19 points in a reserve role while sophomore Kris Joseph poured in 18 off the bench. Senior Andy Rautins rounded out the double-digit performers, netting 14 points while dishing out a career-best 10 assists.
Syracuse opened the scoring with five straight points and took an early 11-4 lead courtesy of eight points by Johnson.
The Hoyas answered, compiling a 10-0 run to take a 14-11 advantage with 12:08 remaining. Sophomore Kris Joseph connected from three-point range to knot the score at 14 and another trifecta by Rautins on the ensuing possession swung the lead back into SU's favor, 17-14.
The teams tied three more times in the next two minutes before Syracuse used a 13-2 spurt to go up, 34-25 with 5:31 left in the first half. Jardine had six points in the run while Johnson had four.
Syracuse maintained its edge through the final five minutes of the half to go into the break ahead, 40-37. Johnson already had 12 points at the intermission. The Orange converted 16-of-27 first-half shots (.593), including 6-of-11 of its 3-point attempts (.545).
The Orange opened the second half on a 12-7 run to take a 52-44 lead with 15:13 left on the clock. With Syracuse ahead, 59-51, Georgetown used a 19-2 stretch to reverse the game and take a 70-61 advantage.
Johnson and Joseph combined for a 9-2 stretch which brought the Orange within three, 73-70, with 4:35 left in the game but the Hoyas managed to maintain an upper hand and hold on for the victory.
Georgetown shot .692 from the field in the second half, connecting on 18-of-26 attempts. The Hoyas also outscored the Orange from the foul line, 19-9. Chris Wright led the Hoyas with 27 points, while Austin Freeman had 18 and Jason Clark 17.
Syracuse learns its postseason fate when the NCAA announces the 2010 tournament bracket on Sunday, March 13 at 6 p.m.
