Syracuse Tops Cornell in Non-Conference Finale

Tuesday, December 27

7:00 p.m.

Syracuse University

(8-5)

Cornell

(3-9)

Cornell

Syracuse

Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski

12/27/2016 8:36:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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Orange record 37th-straight win against in-state foe

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse men's basketball team closed its non-conference portion of the 2016-17 regular-season slate with an 80-56 victory against in-state foe Cornell on Tuesday night in the Carrier Dome.

Down three points 7:26 into the game, Syracuse (8-5) closed the first half on a 30-10 run and never looked back against Cornell (3-9). The Orange was 17-for-32 from the field in the opening frame, connecting on 53.1 percent of its shot attempts.

It was a balanced night for Syracuse, as four players scored in double digits. The team owns a perfect 7-0 record this year when at least four players score at least 10 points.

For the second-straight contest and fourth time this season, sophomore forward Tyler Lydon paced the squad in scoring. Lydon finished with 20 points on the night. The Elizaville, N.Y. native knocked down his first four attempts beyond the arc. He also pulled down 10 rebounds, good enough for his seventh double-double of his collegiate career.

Freshman forward Taurean Thompson added 18 points and matched his career high with seven boards. Classmate Tyus Battle notched 16 points, three shy of matching his personal best. Graduate student guard John Gillon dished out a team-high seven assists, while not turning the ball over once.

The visiting Big Red converted their first three attempts from the field, storming out to an 8-2 advantage with 17:27 remaining in the first half. Behind 3-point field goals from Battle and Lydon, the Orange used a 10-2 run to take their first lead since the opening bucket.

Cornell came right back with five straight points to take a 15-12 edge with 12:34 left in the opening frame. Syracuse responded by outscoring its opposition by 20 points to close the period, highlighted by a monstrous put-back dunk from senior forward Tyler Roberson with 4:25 to go in the half.

The Orange would continue to assert themselves over the remainder of the game, with their lead growing to as much as 30 points in the final frame.

Tuesday marked the 122nd meeting between the two Central New York programs. Syracuse now owns a 91-31 advantage in the all-time series against Cornell. The Orange have won 37 consecutive contests against the Big Red, its second-longest active winning streak.

Syracuse opens conference competition on Sunday afternoon at Boston College. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Mass. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.