Syracuse (5-0) rallied back from a 13-point deficit in the second half and outscored defending national champion Kansas, 17-9, in overtime to defeat the Jayhawks, 89-81, and win the O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic on Tuesday at the Sprint Center. Jonny Flynn scored a game-high 25 points in the contest, including 17 in the second half.
The Orange found itself down 13 points, 51-38, just five muntes into the second half. However, just when it looked like the Jayhawks (3-1) would put the game out of reach, Syracuse found its rhythm. A 16-4 run knotted the game at 54-54. Paul Harris and Flynn combined for 12 of SU’s points during the stretch and a Harris free throw tied the contest with 10:09 to play.
A big reason for the Orange’s turnaround was the play of its defense. Head coach Jim Boeheim scrapped the 2-3 zone in favor of a pressure man-to-man set and Syracuse forced turnovers on three straight Kansas possessions that resulted in transition baskets during the critical scoring spurt.
Sherron Collins led the Jayhawks with 21 points. Cole Aldrich and Markieff Morris each recorded double-doubles. Aldrich had 15 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. Morris finished with 11 points and 11 boards.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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