Saturday, January 12
Syracuse, N.Y.
12:00 p.m.
Syracuse University
vs
Villanova
Rakeem Christmas scored a career-high 15 points in Syracuse's win at Providence.
Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski
Orange Returns Home to Host Wildcats
1/11/2013 2:03:00 PM | Men's Basketball
| Syracuse vs. Villanova | ||
| Game Details | Saturday, Jan. 12 | Syracuse, N.Y. | 12:00 p.m. | |
| Game Coverage |
TV: BIG EAST Network/Time Warner Sports/MSG | ESPN3 Radio: Syracuse IMG Radio Network | TK 99.5 FM Orange All Access: Video and Audio Twitter: @cuse | Live Stats |
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| Syracuse Links | Notes | News | Roster | Schedule | |
| Villanova Links | Notes | News | Roster | Schedule | |
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – After two consecutive road games, No. 7/7 Syracuse (15-1) is back in the Carrier Dome on Saturday, Jan. 12 to take on Villanova (11-4). Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. Both squads are undefeated in BIG EAST play as the Orange is 3-0 in league action while the Wildcats have won each of their first two conference games.
The game will be broadcast on the BIG EAST Network, Time Warner Sports Cable and SNY. Fans can listen to the action on the Syracuse IMG Radio Network and its flagship TK99 (99.5 FM). Live audio will be available on Orange All Access on SUathletics.com. Subscriptions to Orange All Access are available at daily, monthly and yearly rates.
CHRISTMAS STEPPING UP
Sophomore Rakeem Christmas has increased his production significantly this season. Through 16 games, he has already surpassed his point total from a year ago. Christmas is averaging 7.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this season, compared to the 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds he averaged as a freshman. Christmas has reached double figures in scoring in six games and has one double-double. He ranks third in the BIG EAST in blocked shots (2.3 bpg.), seventh in field goal percentage (.576) and is tied for sixth in offensive rebounds (2.6 per game).
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ORANGE
Syracuse overcame a first-half deficit to defeat Providence, 72-66, on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Junior C.J. Fair led the offense with a team-high 23 points and 11 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season.
The Orange led jumped out to a six-point lead with 13:29 to play, but the Friars used an 8-4 scoring run to take an 18-16 lead with 11:00 remaining in the first half. With SU leading by one, 19-18, the Friars outscored Syracuse, 15-5, to take its largest lead of the game at 33-24 with 4:47 on the clock. Syracuse responded with eight unanswered points to cut Providence's lead to 33-30 at halftime.
The Friars increased its advantage to six but couldn't pull away as Syracuse took the lead for good on Triche's layup at the 9:43 mark. SU, which led by as many as nine points, went 10-for-10 from the free throw line in the final 1:21 to secure the victory.
Fair was one of four players to reach double figures in scoring. Sophomore Michael Carter-Williams had 17, while sophomore Rakeem Christmas tallied a career-high 15 points. Senior James Southerland contributed 13 points off the bench.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Villanova enters Saturday's game on a seven-game winning streak, which has improved its record to 11-4. The Wildcats defeated St. John's, 98-86 in overtime, and USF, 61-50, in conference action this season.
JayVaughn Pinkston leads the Wildcats in scoring, averaging 13.3 points per game. Ryan Arcidiacono also averages double figures in scoring, contributing 12.5 points per game. Mouphtaou Yarou is Villanova's leading rebounder, grabbing 5.7 per contest. Arcidiacono has dished out a team-high 50 assists, while Maurice Sutton leads the squad with 25 blocks.
Jay Wright is in his 12th season at the helm of the Villanova program. He has guided the Wildcats to a record of 248-134, two Sweet 16 and two Elite Eight appearances and one trip to the Final Four.
THE SERIES
Syracuse leads the all-time series with Villanova, 37-31. The Orange has won the last two meetings between the schools, including a 73-66 victory at Villanova last season. The squads split the two regular-season games in 2011-12.
UP NEXT…
The Orange is back on the road to face Louisville on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m.
DRUMLINS PARKING OPTION
A Park and Ride from Drumlins program began on January 2. Fans can park at Drumlins for the same price as the Manley Lot. Centro buses will stop at Drumlins prior to and after games as part of the shuttle system from the Dome.
Interested participants should get to the Drumlins Lot by exciting rt. 481 at Jamesville Road and taking Nottingham Road to the parking lot.
Adrian Autry Show
Thursday, January 15
Adrian Autry postgame vs. Florida State
Wednesday, January 14
Donnie Freeman postgame vs. Florida State
Wednesday, January 14
Tyler Betsey postgame vs. Florida State
Wednesday, January 14
