Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski
Cooney's All-Around Game Lifts 'Cuse
12/14/2014 7:43:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Syracuse's backcourt leader shows all-around game in win vs. La. Tech.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Junior guard Trevor Cooney racked up a season-high 25 points in Sunday's win over Louisiana Tech, but it was his timely scoring that ultimately lifted the Orange to a 71-69 victory.
Eleven of Cooney's 25 points came in situations when Syracuse was trailing or leading by just one and he added another four points that halted Louisiana Tech runs. He also picked up the assist on senior Rakeem Christmas' game-winning basket with 2.8 seconds left – one of two assists on the day, with each also coming in one-possession situations.
While Orange fans have come to know Cooney for his shooting, he also showcased his ability to get to the basket on Sunday.
"Trevor played the way he has to play. He was a player. He wasn't a shooter, he got to the basket, he drove and he made plays. That's huge for us," said head coach Jim Boeheim. "Trevor Cooney is a very good player and he's proven himself. He doesn't have to prove anything to me, he's already done that. Today he showed again that he can do other things."
The elder statesman of the Orange backcourt, Cooney shot 44 percent from the floor, his highest in the last four games. He shot 50-percent mark from behind the arc, tying his season-best mark from the opener against Kennesaw State when he finished 1-for-2, while playing all-40 minutes.
"I came out today from the start and I wanted to be aggressive, that's how I wanted to play and I was able to do that today." Cooney said.
The Orange also put its trust in Cooney late in the game, with the junior running the point in the closing moments.
"I just went and got the ball. I wanted the ball and I did good things with it," Cooney said. "I have to continue to do that. Today, two of our best players were in foul trouble and Mike Gbinije was hurt, so I had to dig deep and keep going on."
Cooney's opportunity will come on Saturday when the Orange travel to take on a highly-ranked Villanova squad.
Eleven of Cooney's 25 points came in situations when Syracuse was trailing or leading by just one and he added another four points that halted Louisiana Tech runs. He also picked up the assist on senior Rakeem Christmas' game-winning basket with 2.8 seconds left – one of two assists on the day, with each also coming in one-possession situations.
While Orange fans have come to know Cooney for his shooting, he also showcased his ability to get to the basket on Sunday.
"Trevor played the way he has to play. He was a player. He wasn't a shooter, he got to the basket, he drove and he made plays. That's huge for us," said head coach Jim Boeheim. "Trevor Cooney is a very good player and he's proven himself. He doesn't have to prove anything to me, he's already done that. Today he showed again that he can do other things."
The elder statesman of the Orange backcourt, Cooney shot 44 percent from the floor, his highest in the last four games. He shot 50-percent mark from behind the arc, tying his season-best mark from the opener against Kennesaw State when he finished 1-for-2, while playing all-40 minutes.
"I came out today from the start and I wanted to be aggressive, that's how I wanted to play and I was able to do that today." Cooney said.
The Orange also put its trust in Cooney late in the game, with the junior running the point in the closing moments.
"I just went and got the ball. I wanted the ball and I did good things with it," Cooney said. "I have to continue to do that. Today, two of our best players were in foul trouble and Mike Gbinije was hurt, so I had to dig deep and keep going on."
Cooney's opportunity will come on Saturday when the Orange travel to take on a highly-ranked Villanova squad.
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