Orange Bench Stands Tall Against BU in 99-77 Victory Over the Terriers

Story by Aubrie Tolliver

Photos by Jacqueline Mundry

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Freshman Taurean Thompson and graduate transfer John Gillon both had season-high games coming off the bench, as the Syracuse men’s basketball team cruised to a 99-77 conquest over the Boston University Terriers Saturday afternoon in the Carrier Dome.

Boston’s 6'5" guard Cedric Hankerson scored the most points in the game with 34, 30 of them coming from three-point range. The junior from Miami shot 50 percent (10-20) from downtown, the highest of his career. 

The Orange Bench

Combined, Thompson and Gillon, who were not a part of Syracuse's starting five, went 17-22 (77.2 percent) from the floor with 45 points and 12 rebounds.

 “We want guys being able to come off the bench to score,” Orange head coach Jim Boeheim said in a post-game press conference.  “That’s what we had today.”

In his 28 minutes on the court, Gillon knocked down six of seven three-pointers, while also snatching five off the board. He’s the shortest player amongs the Orange everyday players. One of those rebounds came off the offensive rim surrounded by four Terriers. After the grab, he was fouled trying to take a layup and made both of his free throws. Those were just two of his team-leading 23 points.

“Gillon saved us,” Boeheim said.

The 6' 10"Thompson, playing in his ninth game for the Orange, recorded a career-high 22 points and first collegiate three-point shot.

“John and I both knew that we had to produce,” he said. “You can’t come off the bench and start going down. You have to bring it up. Raise the energy.”

Andrew White III added 19 points for Syracuse and Tyler Lydon had ten.

Hankerson Carries Terriers

On the other end of the court was Hankerson, whose 34 points accounted for more than half of his team's total.

But, his individual success could not make up for his team's flaws. Eric Fanning was the only other Terrier in double-figures with 12 points.

As a whole, BU shot just 36 percent (25-69) from the floor, while committing 18 turnovers. The Terriers did out-rebound the Orange, 42-38.

But, they didn't finish enough possessions with baskets, mostly due to SU's 13 steals and eight blocks.

Thompson’s Career Game

Thompson said he knew when he went on to the court for warm-ups he was going to have a good game.

“I wanted to make an impact,” Thompson said.

After his early career-defining game, Thompson said the first person he would call is his mother. But, he said she might be disappointed in the number of points he scored, afterward calling her his defense and mindset coach.

“She thinks my mindset is all about scoring,” he laughed. “Every time I score she’s like, ‘Now get a rebound. Now get block,’ and I’m like, ‘alright.’”

“Taurean, in practice his getting better every day,” Boeheim said. “He struggles on defense but he’s a very good offensive player.”

What's Next

Boston University falls to 4-6 on the season while Syracuse improves to 6-3.

The Terriers' next opponent will be the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. Tip-off is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m.

Syracuse will take advantage of a full week of practice during final exam week before facing former Big East rival Georgetown University Saturday afternoon in the Carrier Dome. That will be game two of SU's  five-game home-stand, the longest of the season.

"I think the five days of practice we will get in this week will help us," Boeheim said. "We’re trying to fit everyone in together and it takes a long time. I think it’s foolish of me or anyone to think it was going to happen right away and is still a long way away from where we need to be."