NewhouseSports SMC: Syracuse Defense Nixes North Carolina, Orange Stay Unbeaten

By: Mike McCann

The hype was all there. It was billed as the real welcome party to the ACC for Syracuse. Sure, the Orange had already beaten Miami and Virginia Tech in conference games. But this one had a different feel to it. This was North Carolina.

Any questions about whether Syracuse is for real, whether Orange deserve that #2 ranking should be answered. Any doubts about this team should be erased.

In a dominant defensive effort in front of the largest crowd (32,121) to see a college basketball game this season, #2 Syracuse (16-0; 3-0 ACC) battled, clawed, and blocked its way to a 57-45 win over the Tar Heels (10-6; 0-3 ACC), holding UNC to its lowest point total under Head Coach Roy Williams.

It wasn't always pretty, but it certainly was effective.

"This was a defensive effort game; we got loose balls, we got on the floor," said Syracuse Head Coach Jim Boeheim in front of a standing room only media press conference. "We made a lot of really good hustle plays...that was really the difference."

And the Orange defense had to be good, because its shooting was not. Syracuse shot only 35% from the floor, only 21% from beyond the arc, with its star sharp shooting Sophomore guard Trevor Cooney finishing only 4-17 from the floor, and 2-12 from beyond the arc.

But 14 North Carolina turnovers to go along with a season high nine blocked shots for the Orange did the trick.

Big players stepping up

The cliche goes that big players make big plays in big time games. That held true for the Orange, as it got sterling performances from Senior forward C.J. Fair and Sophomore forward Jeremi Grant. Fair scored a game high 20 points, and Grant added 12 points and a career high 12 rebounds to pace Syracuse.

"I think it was a great game for us as a whole," said Grant in the locker room. "Everybody played well and definitely it helps to get a win."

Not only did the Orange get a win, but it dropped North Carolina into a place they haven't been since Dean Smith was still the coach. The Tar Heels are now 0-3 and in the ACC for the first time since the 1996-1997 season.

Despite the bad start for the Tar Heels, Boeheim offered his team's opponent nothing but praise.

"[North Carolina's] beat the three teams that were rated one, two, and three preseason; those will be the three best wins anybody has this year," Boeheim said.

Looking ahead

Next up for the Orange is a trip to Boston College. After playing in front of 32,000 plus, the confines of Conte Forum will provide a different feel for Syracuse. Boston College's home arena seats only 8,606.

"I think [playing at BC] will be a little adjustment," said Grant. "But we usually make adjustments quickly so I think we'll be fine."

The Golden Eagles are only 5-11 on the season, but coming off a win against Virginia Tech, the Orange cannot afford to look past its next opponent.

"Boston College has lost a lot of games, but they've lost 'em all by one or two points," said Boeheim. "If you're not ready, you're not playing your game, then you're going to have a hard night."

Syracuse will have to be ready quickly, with the game tipping at 9:00 on Monday night.

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