Boeheim's Army Advances to the Elite 8

Story and Photos by Dontae Harris

Brooklyn, N.Y. - Boeheim's Army defeated Team Fancy RYU 65-61 at LIU-Brooklyn Thursday night to advance to the regional final of The Basketball Tournament and stay alive in pursuit of the $2-million winner-take-all prize.

Brandon Triche was the hero for the Orange. Triche hit the go ahead three-pointer with 15.9 seconds remaining. It was the only three-pointer Boeheim's Army hit in the second half. Triche then made four free throws to close the game out.

Triche left the game in the first half after he popped out his pinkie finger  on his right (shooting) hand.. He returned with the finger taped to the one next to it.

"I figured I should be able to run the team," Triche said. "I am comfortable enough to dribble the ball."

He wound up with eleven points, including the crucial seven down the stretch.

Syracuse Vs. Iona

Eric Devendorf put the Orange on his back for much of the game. He had a game high 19 points and found Triche open for that key 3-pointer.

Devendorf, who has always been known for talking some trash, and Scott Machado of Team Fancy RYU were in each other's ears on both ends of the floor. There were two times in the game where they had to be separated.

"Its nothing personal, we getting out there and competing," Devendorf said. "If you interview Scott Machado he is going to say the same thing. We was going back and forth because we have respect for each other."

Devendorf is currently an assistant coach for Syracuse University's Mens Basketball team. He played for Syracuse from 2005 to 2009. Before becoming an assistant coach, he played professionally overseas.

Machado played for Iona College (2008-12) located in New Rochelle, N.Y.. He was the MAAC Player of the Year in 2012. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2012 but hasn't played for a NBA affiliated team since 2014. Machado currently plays professionally in Spain for ICL Manresa.

Devendorf got the better of his opponent this time, having no trouble scoring on the isolation or in the pick and roll. Machado had eleven points in 32 minutes.


Orange Pride 

In the second half the Syracuse fans made their presence loud and clear. Fans seated right behind the Boeheim's Army bench roared "Lets' go Orange" and there were so many orange shirts in the crowd it looked like the game was being played in the Carrier Dome.

Otto the Syracuse mascot was also in attendance sticking around the bench and revving up the Syracuse fans.



"We have the greatest fans in the world." said Donte Greene, who had 14 points and five rebounds for Boeheim's Army. "I always say that. I compare them to soccer fans or football fans over in Europe."

Click Here to listen to the post game news conference.

Next Opponent 

Boeheim's Army will take on Team Family Over Everything (FOE) on Sunday at 2 p.m. for a trip to the Final Four. The game will be televised live on ESPN and will also take place at LIU Brooklyn.

Team FOE. is run by Makieff and Marcus Morris. Makieff plays for the Washington Wizards and Marcus plays for the Boston Celtics. Other notable players for Team FOE are Tyshawn Taylor, Maalik Wayans and Mycheal Thompson. Thompson is the brother of two-time NBA champion Klay Thompson.