Syracuse fans everywhere have witnessed some brutal defeats when it comes to the annual hoops cauldron that is March Madness. Smart takes the shot. Richmond. Moten’s timeout. The Boeheim jacket toss at Duke. Oops, not sure why I included that game. I mean, it’s not like I’m still bitter about that craptastically homer call.
That said, one of the more underrated aspects of March is rooting for revenge. Wishing for the hearts and souls of those teams and their fans who’ve crushed you in the past to suffer the same devastating result. So in the interest of sports hate, let’s concoct a list of six former SU opponents from March’s past who have done the Orange the ultimate wrong. Without further ado, I give you the Syracuse Ides of March Revenge Bracket.
Round of 64 victim: Duke
Back in 1998, the Blue Devils sent Todd Burgan and the Orange packing in the Sweet Sixteen. But instead of waiting for that round to plot revenge, how about we make Duke the first 2-seed to lose to a 15-seed TWICE? Sound good? Thought so. And after Iona takes care of business, I will bottle the tears of the Cameron Crazies and sell them on Amazon.
Round of 32 victim: Arkansas
You remember the game. Austin, TX was the site back in 1995. The Hogs had Corliss Williamson and Scottie Thurman and they were the defending champs. But the Orange had them beat. THEY HAD THEM BEAT. Until Lawrence Moten called that infamous timeout Syracuse didn’t have. *Sigh* So here’s hoping Purdue can steal the inbounds pass to seal the victory. As long as the Boilers have a timeout, of course.
» Related: Syracuse advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with win over Arizona State
Sweet 16 victim: Michigan State
If it’s March and the Spartans are playing, you know the front runner of all front runners, Magic Johnson, will make an appearance. Because he’s a real fan, dontchyakno! Back in 2000, Michigan State erased a 14-point Orange lead before cruising to a 17-point victory in Detroit. Since we bounced Duke in the first round, our hopes turn to Rhode Island to play spoiler as the Rams comeback from 17 down to win by 14.
Elite 8 victim: Ohio State
In 2012, the Buckeyes cost the 1-seeded Orange a spot in the Final Four with a 77-70 victory. Syracuse center Fab Melo didn’t play in the game due to eligibility issues and the Orange’s 2-3 zone wasn’t the same without him by season’s end. So in the name of irony, the North Carolina Tar Heels will vanquish Ohio State since, you know, it’s not like Carolina has ever used players with questionable eligibility issues or anything.
Final Four victim: Michigan
Remember back to 2013. Trailing 58-56 with 28 seconds remaining, Brandon Triche was called for a questionable charge. Yup, a charge. *Seethes* Now, for the sake of revenge and since Michigan and Ohio State are both in the same region, ignore the enrty above that has OSU vs. UNC in the regional finals. Let’s say that Xavier gets a total gift call with 10 seconds to go that costs the Wolverines the game and leaves the entire Michigan fanbase apoplectic. Works for me!
Championship Game victim: Kentucky
Meadowlands 1996. Rick Pitino. Tony Delk. John Calipari. Quade Green. Need I say more? Looking at you, Jay Wright and the Villanova Wildcats, to do an old conference buddy a solid.
Let the Madness begin. And beware the Syracuse Ides of March.
For more Syracuse coverage, Like our Facebook page and follow us @TheJuiceOnline.
