A quick take on Syracuse’s satisfying 74-69 win over longtime rival Georgetown Saturday night in an eerily quiet Dome:
WHAT HAPPENED: In the first Syracuse-Georgetown game since the death of Hoyas Hall of Famer John Thompson last August, Jim Boeheim paid tribute by arriving courtside for the game’s tipoff with a white towel, the Thompson trademark look, draped over his right shoulder. Syracuse (7-2) led by 16 early in the second half, before the Hoyas shot themselves back into the game, cutting the lead to three with under 3:00 to play. The composed Orange hit the some key late baskets and free throws to seal the win.
ANALYSIS: The most current critical piece to this team is Quincy Guerrier, and he continues to ramp up his play in his second season. Even with a few too many three-point attempts, Guerrier just missed another double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. His tenacity is a perfect compliment to Marek Dolezaj (11 points, nine rebounds). It’s great to see the contributions from Robert Braswell, now in his third season of eligibility. Braswell, “the seventh man,” played in both halves and hustled, finishing with three points and three steals, and a big block of a Hoyas late layup attempt.
HERO: It was a bounce back game for the starting Orange guards who played the entire second half. Buddy Boeheim had a game-high 21 points, five rebounds and four assists, with several key baskets to keep the Orange ahead in the second half. Joe Girard was steady running the point, with 18 points (3-of-4 from three), eight assists and two steals.
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ZERO: Georgetown (3-8), with essentially a brand new team – nine newcomers on the roster, dropped its fifth straight game. The Hoyas committed 12 turnovers, several late in their comeback bid, and were outrebounded by six boards.
WHAT’S NEXT: Syracuse travels to North Carolina this coming Tuesday, Jan. 12, a game that was originally scheduled for Jan. 2 in Chapel Hill, but postponed due to COVID-19 contact tracing protocols following SU’s game vs. Buffalo Dec. 19. The Tar Heels (7-4, 2-2) were scheduled to play Clemson Saturday, but that game was called off because of positive COVID tests within the Clemson program. Syracuse is 0-4 in ACC play at the Smith Center. Game Time: 9:00 p.m. ET. TV: ACC Network.
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