Gillon, Thompson push Orange past BU

Saturday, December 10

12:00 p.m.

Syracuse University

(6-3)

Boston University

(4-6)

Boston U

Syracuse

Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski

12/10/2016 2:02:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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Duo combine for 45 points

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Reserves John Gillon and Taurean Thompson came off the bench to contribute 23 and 22 points, each a career-high, and Syracuse defeated Boston University, 99-77, in the Carrier Dome.

Gillon, a graduate transfer, hit 7-of-9 from the field, including 6-of-7 on his 3-point attempts on the way to his top showing in an Orange uniform. Thompson connected on 10-of-13 attempts and made his first collegiate 3-pointer. Thompson also led the Orange with seven rebounds. Graduate student Andrew White III (19 points) and sophomore Tyler Lydon (10 points) rounded out the double-digit point producers for Syracuse.

Boston University forward Cedric Hankerson finished with a game-high 34 points. He tied the Carrier Dome and Syracuse opponent record for 3-pointers in a game with 10.

The visiting Terriers used two dunks from Justin Alston and three 3-pointers from Hankerson to race out to a 20-12 advantage. Gillon, who had gone scoreless over the previous two games, jump-started the Syracuse offense by sandwiching two 3-pointers around a 3 pointer from freshman Tyus Battle. Thompson then added his first basket to tie things up, 23-23. The two teams were eventually tied eight times in the first half but after two free throws from Hankerson knotted the score at 29-29, the Orange pulled away. A 10-0 Syracuse run that featured eight points from Gillon and two from Thompson put the Orange ahead for good. By the intermission, Gillon had 14 points and Thompson 12.

Syracuse emerged from the intermission with a 45-39 advantage. The Terriers shaved the margin to 4, 48-44, but a jumper from Thompson triggered a 16-0 Syracuse run. Thompson tallied 10 of the 16 Orange points in that period, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Syracuse continued the push, constructing a lead as large as 33 points before closing out the game on top, 99-77.

Sophomore guard Frank Howard finished with his third double-digit assist outing of the season, producing 11 assists against just two turnovers.

Syracuse committed just nine miscues while forcing Boston University into 18 turnovers.

The Orange return to the Carrier Dome next Saturday, Dec. 17 to host longtime rival Georgetown. Syracuse legend Pearl Washington, who passed away this year, will be honored. Tipoff is set for 12:00 p.m.

Tickets, including a special $31 offer (Pearl's jersey number), are available online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office or by phone (888-DOME-TIX).