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via ESPN
Undefeated no more. The Orange dropped the ball tonight against Boston College, losing 62-59 in overtime. For at least one night, luck ran out for Syracuse who is no stranger to close games as of late.
Fans were stunned after seeing a now 7-19 BC squad defeat the No.1 team on the Orange’s home court. Syracuse has found a way to pull out magical wins this year but did not have an answer for a team that only won two ACC games before tonight‚Äôs game.
“It’s not a good feeling. I didn’t expect to go undefeated the whole season but it’s tough to lose to a team when you know it was you who made the mistakes,” said Tyler Ennis about the loss.
C.J. Fair led the Orange with 20 points but went 7-23 from the field. Jim Boeheim and Fair both agreed that it was not an issue of shot selection but rather just a poor night shooting. Boeheim was also not happy with Rakeem Christmas, who had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation but missed a hook shot.
“We knew they would double-team Tyler and we knew we could get [Christmas] the ball right there. We got him the ball. You have to make that,” said Boeheim.
Olivier Hanlan had a big game for the Eagles, dropping 20 points. However it was 11 made shots from behind the arc that kept Boston College in the game and allowed them to get to overtime.
Critics are going to talk about how this game will affect the Orange long term. A loss to No. 5 Duke on the road would be one thing. However, a home loss to team who has no shot to make the NCAA Tournament stings and could get into some player’s heads, as the Orange embark on its toughest road stretch this season. Stretches like these will test a team to their limits. Luckily for Syracuse, the loss will lift a huge weight off their back as there will no longer be talk of an undefeated season.
This is a game that will help the Orange come March. However this is the last thing the Orange need as the team prepares to play competitive teams in tough environments with an offense that is struggling.
Posted by: Zephan Mayell
