Shafer returned as Middle Tennessee State University’s defensive coordinator after being fired at the end of the 2015 season, and his defense stymied a high-powered SU offense in a 30-23 win for the Blue Raiders.
For those of you who think this is a cupcake on Syracuse’s schedule, look no further than the 2016 season, when the Blue Raiders knocked off SEC opponent Missouri.
Michael Gbinije scored a game-high 23 points, Tyler Lydon scored 14 and No. 10 Syracuse held No. 15 Middle Tennessee State to 29.7 percent shooting from the floor in Sunday’s 75-50 win to advance to the Sweet 16.