Orange Tipoff Gives 'Cuse Fans First Look

For the first time since the end of the 2019-20 regular season, the Dome was open to Syracuse fans for basketball. The men's and women's teams hosted "Orange Tipoff" on Friday night in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

One of the many highlights of the evening was the new Dome scoreboard. One of the largest of its kind in a college arena, the new video board setup includes the ability to lower the structure, making it more visible to all spectators.

The men's team participated in an Orange vs. White scrimmage to end the evening. Scoring standouts included Jimmy Boeheim (20 points) and Frank Anselem (16, including six dunks) from the Orange squad. The White team featured Buddy Boeheim (12), Jesse Edwards (10) and Benny Williams (8).

A shooting contest opened the competition portion of the night. Two four-person teams had to convert a layup, free throw, two three pointers and then a half-court shot. Then the second four-member squad needed to beat the time posted by the first group.

The Blue Team of Jesse Edwards, Teisha Hyman, Buddy Boeheim and Alaina Rice won, thanks to Boeheim making his first attempt from half court. The Orange group of John Bol Ajak, Christiana Carr, Joseph Girard and Naje Murray were unable to convert the long-distance shot faster than the Blue team had.

A 3-point shooting contest followed. Each squad had three representatives and each player shot from three spots on the court. Jayla Thornton (8 made), Jimmy Boeheim (6) and Joseph Girard (13) combined for the win with 26. One shot back was the group of Jayla Thornton (8), Cole Swider (9) and Buddy Boeheim (8).

A dunk contest was judged by members of the women's team. Symir Torrence earned a total of 51 for the "judges." Frank Anselem untilized an assistant -- walk-on Niko Ruffin sitting in a chair near the hoop and tossing the ball up. Anselem received a 61. Chaz Owens had walk-on Paddy Casey as his passer but was unable to convert in three tries. Benny Williams rounded out the group and earned a 57.

The scores advanced Anselem and Williams into the Dunk Finals. Williams started with a reverse slam that earned a total of 69. Anselem then lit a small candle on a cupcake and set in on the back of the rim in preparation. On his second attempt, he dunked and blew out the candle. Despite the creativity, Anselem, with 66, was edged by Williams.

Coach Vonn Read and the women's team also open at home on Wednesday, Nov. 10, against Monmouth.

Coach Jim Boeheim's squad has home exhibition games on Wednesday, Oct. 27, against Pace and Monday, Nov. 1, versus Le Moyne. The regular-season opener Tuesday, Nov. 9 against Lafayette.

Gallery: (10-22-2021) Orange Tip-off

Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

John Bol Ajak

Frank Anselem

Buddy Boeheim

Jimmy Boeheim

Paddy Casey

Jesse Edwards

Teisha Hyman

Chaz Owens

Alaina Rice

Niko Ruffin

Cole Swider

Jayla Thornton

Symir Torrence

Benny Williams

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