By Ellen Burr
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -
After starting off its ACC slate 0-4, Syracuse (11-7, 1-4)
finally managed to secure its first conference win of the year over Boston
College (7-9, 0-3) Wednesday night. SU’s 0-4 record matched the Orange’s worst
conference start in school history, dating back to the 1996-97 season.
"When you start 0-and-4, you've got to get a win at some point," Syracuse guard Michael Gbinije said, relieved, following the game. "And we finally got it."
For the announced crowd of 16,701 – a number that bears a
lot of skepticism based on the number of empty rows in the Carrier Dome – the
game between the Orange and the Eagles was like watching two teams fight over a
participation trophy. Both teams came out lethargic, a lack of energy that continued
through the game and was further diminished by the sullen nature of the fans.
Syracuse and Boston College, the bottom of the ACC barrel,
traded baskets in the first ten minutes of the game. Despite the slow start,
the Orange, led by graduate guard Michael Gbinije, went on a 14 point run in the first half to go into the break doubling BC’s score, 30-15.
A second half effort by the Eagles cut the Orange’s lead to
7. But Syracuse retaliated with 11 unanswered points to remain in control of
the game and finish the night with its walk-ons on the court, securing a 62-40
win over its fellow ACC underdog.
Although Syracuse did pull its first ACC victory on Wednesday night, head coach Jim Boeheim voiced his discontent with the team following the game.
"I just think they're not playing good enough to win," Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim said. "We have to get better, we have to play better."
Turnover After
Turnover
Both Syracuse and Boston College experienced turnover
turmoil Wednesday night. In just the first twelve minutes of the game, between
shot clock violations, sloppy passes and travels, both teams turned the ball
over 7 times each, for a total of 14 turnovers.
Boston College finished the game with 16 turnovers total,
while Syracuse had 14.
"At this stage of the season, we shouldn't be making those turnovers," Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim said. "We can't turn it over. Not like we did tonight."
Gbinije and
Richardson Lead Orange
Michael Gbinije led the Orange early in the game, scoring 12
out of SU’s 30 points in the first half. The graduate point guard was much
quieter as the game continued though, only scoring two in the second half.
But freshman Malachi Richardson took over the scoring for
the Orange. After only two made free throws in the first half, Richardson
scored 13 in the second for a game-high 15 points. The freshman is leading SU’s
squad in conference play, averaging 16.4 points per game against ACC opponents.
"I just wanted to make plays," Richardson said. "I had spaces and opportunities to get to the basket, and I took advantage of that."
Roberson Racks Up
Rebounds
Junior Tyler Roberson snagged his third double-double of the
season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Roberson scored 7 of those points and
grabbed 10 of those rebounds in the first half.
Boeheim benched Roberson just under 5 minutes into the
second half, when the junior received his fourth personal foul. Roberson
currently leads the team in rebounds, averaging 8.2 per game.
Overall, the Orange controlled the boards, outrebounding the
Eagles 35-27.
Notes
-Eli Carter led the Eagles with 13 points.
-Syracuse shot for 47.8% from field goal range. Boston
College shot for 31.9%.
-Along with Richardson, Gbinije, and Roberson, Dajuan
Coleman scored in the double-digits for the Orange. He finished the night with
11 points.
Up Next
The Orange travels to North Carolina to take on Wake Forest
and Duke. The Wake Forest game is scheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 16 at 12
p.m. Syracuse stays down south to face the Blue Devils Monday, Jan. 18 at 7
p.m.
Good site.
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