Syracuse - Georgetown Postgame Reactions OR Hop Is Hoya'd
0 Comments Published on 12.08.2015 by John Brennan
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| It's OK Hop, you've got the loss out of the way, now just win the rest of them. Forever. |
Rivalry renewed. The game that made the Big East, now a non-conference tilt. Thompson Jr. vs. Boeheim. Except, this time, it was Big John's son, JTIII, and Boeheim's metaphorical son, Hopkins. Syracuse was rocked when the NCAA on Thursday ruled on Jim Boeheim's appeal of punishment for infractions, ruling that the nine-game suspension for conference games was unduly harsh, unprecedented, and not called for by the evidence... so the remedy is for coach to begin the suspension immediately so as to not effect nine conference games. OK, all well and good, except we get this two days before the Georgetown game! Mike Hopkins knew he'd be taking over temporarily for Boeheim this month, just wasn't expecting it to be this soon. So, he had to get ready. And the team had to get ready. And, well, you watched the game. You know that Syracuse shot poorly, that Georgetown played hard from the opening tip, and that the Orange comeback at the end fell short. Hoyas, you get this one at home 79-72.
- Look, the Hoyas shot 48.1% from the field, 38.1% from three, and 72.4% from the line. Those are good numbers. Unless the opponent can match that sort of efficiency, those numbers are gonna translate to a win.
- Georgetown's opponent, Syracuse, could not match that efficiency: 38.1% from the field, 25.9% from three, and 81% from the line. While that overall shooting percentage isn't awful, and the foul shooting was acceptable, that 25.9% from three kills a team, especially when it's based on 27 shots. That's 20 missed threes. 20 empty possessions. 20 more opportunities for Georgetown to score, which it more often than not did.
- Playing all 40 minutes, Michael Gbinije had a good game with 23 points, 3-8 from three, 6-7 from the line, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He was able to get more good looks when both Dajuan Coleman and Tyler Lydon were on the floor, either attracting attention or setting screens.
- Hopkins was more comfortable going with a bigger lineup for more minutes, allowing Lydon into a more natural forward position, Coleman at center, and even Frank Howard seeing 13 minutes. Hop also had a more active rotation of players in and out, as compared to Boeheim.
- The added minutes didn't necessarily equate to a lot more production from Coleman (10 points, 5 rebounds in 21 minutes), but you have to call that an improvement over his previous games. As the main coach for the big guys, I would expect to see this be central to Hopkins' coaching philosophy, particularly considering how important it is to get Coleman going.
- Also of note, Kaleb Joseph's box score line is 3 minutes played, and zeros everywhere else.
This is one of those rare times when you just have to tip your hat to Georgetown for getting the job done, playing well, and exploiting the weaknesses in Syracuse's game. That effort made it hard for Syracuse to come back, and ultimately led to that comeback effort falling short. I really wish this game had been more like the UConn game on Thanksgiving -- close, both teams having big leads at points, hard fought, and eventually won by Syracuse. But, alas, not this time. Things won't be so easy for the Hoyas in the Dome next year, though!
Labels: Basketball, Hoya Hate, Recap, Rivalries
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| We all did this at some point |
Syracuse beat Georgetown (in overtime)!! It really happened! We all watched it, so I'm not even going to recap it. If you're a geek like me and like stats, check out the official box score here.
Labels: Basketball, Big East Tournament, Georgetown Still Sucks, Hoya Hate
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| We hated being there as much as you hated how Syracuse has been playing |
Syracuse has sputtered the second half of its final Big East season. Offensive woes. That's the bottom line. So you can imagine why we haven't been quick or excited to do game recaps around here. But, for the sake of posterity, I'll share a few words about each of the final three regular season games here on the cusp of Syracuse's final run through the Big East Tournament.
Louisville
Exactly a week after the big record-setting game in the Dome against Georgetown, the Louisville Cardinals came in for another important late-season game. The Orange was looking for a season sweep of Louisville, while the Cardinals wanted to steal a game. While not quite as bad as the Orange offensive effort from the week before, Syracuse still had a hard time scoring in this one. The victory goes to Louisville, 58-53.
- The Syracuse offense was three players: CJ Fair (19), James Southerland (13), and Michael Carter-Williams (11).
- Syracuse shot 20-56 (35.7%) from the field, and 5-13 (38.5%) from three.
- Brandon Triche had another Brandon Triche game, 2-11 including 0-3 from three.
- Syracuse turned the ball over 16 times, leading to 16 Louisville points.
- To be fair, Louisville didn't shoot or play any better than Syracuse. This was actually a gritty, back and forth game for much of the time. Unfortuately Louisville grabbed the lead near the end and kept it just out of reach for Syracuse.
DePaul
The final Big East game in the Carrier Dome, and we get DePaul? Not a thrilling match-up, for sure, but the way things have been going for Syracuse, it was nice to see this caliber opponent round out the home schedule. Not a guaranteed win, of course. And that was evident at the start of the game, as Syracuse was slow out of the gate. Slow to the point where we started thinking "Oh know, could this really be happening?" But the Orange picked things up, brought a lead into halftime, and never looked back. Syracuse wins its regular season home finale 78-57.
- As the final score indicates, the Orange offense woke up a bit in this one, compared to recent games. Four Orangemen were in double-digit scoring: James Southerland (22), CJ Fair (16), Brandon Triche (15), and Michael Carter-Williams (10).
- But to say the offense was better is a little misleading; Syracuse still only shot 26-67 (38.8%), and an abysmal 2-18 (11.1%) from three. Credit the 22 offensive rebounds leading to 21 Syracuse second chance points to really reflect how Syracuse was able to get 78 points on the board.
- Syracuse also dominated in the paint, 40-26.
- Bottom line is, DePaul just isn't very good.
- James Southerland had a double double and a start on Senior Night. So, good for him.
Georgetown
This was possibly one of the most anticipated games of the season. Possibly the last game between two long-time rivals as Big East members (unless they meet again in the Big East Tournament); final game of the regular season; ESPN's College Gameday. This game looked really good when the schedule was released. But as Syracuse's season went on and fell into this sinkhole (see what I did there with the recent news reference?), this game started looking scary. The Hoyas have been playing at the top of their game, and with a win over Syracuse would earn the Big East regular season title. And so, on such a big stage where Syracuse just had to step up, they didn't. Georgetown won 61-39.
- Neither team got off to a great start in this one. Offense was pretty slow-going and hard to find. At 11-11 with 10:58 to go in the first half, that's just as close as Syracuse would ever come in this one. Georgetown scored at 9:49 to make it 14-11 and never relinquished the lead.
- Even so, Syracuse kept scratching back throughout the first half. The Hoyas might go on a bit of a run, but Syracuse would find itself right back in the game. It was just never enough.
- Eventually, in the second half, Georgetown built such a lead in the game that you knew there just wasn't enough time left for Syracuse to come back, especially with the way they had been playing.
- Michael Carter-Williams had 17 points to lead the Orange in scoring, which is nearly half of the 39 points Syracuse managed to score. No other Syracuse players had double digit scores.
- Syracuse only made 15 shots on 41 attempts (31.9%) and went a horribly cold 1-11 (9.1%) from three. Meanwhile, Georgetown shot 42%, 40.9% from three, knocking down nine threes.
- Those threes by Georgetown seemed to come at times when Syracuse was trying to crawl back into the game or gain momentum. So really, it was like nine daggers.
- Syracuse did a number on Otto Porter this time around, especially in the first half, but it was at the expense of players like Markel Starks, who hit five of the nine threes.
- Syracuse only had three second-chance points.
- Showing zone and man defenses, the Hoya effort was just as effective -- if not more so --- than they were in the Carrier Dome a couple weeks ago. The best stat to show this (besides the 39 points allowed): Syracuse had one four assists. Four.
- It also didn't help that Syracuse coughed up the ball 14 times.
And so, Syracuse ends the regular season with an overall record of 23-8, a Big East record of 11-7, and a five seed in the Big East Tournament. Syracuse will face the winner of the BET's opening round game between South Florida and Seton Hall. At this point, the Orange is playing for NCAA Tournament seeding, as well as getting in some good game experience before the do-or-die games. Clearly, shooting needs to improve. I'm not sure how that gets better now at this point in the season, but if anyone can squeeze talent out of a player, it's Jim Boeheim. So sit back, enjoy the final Big East Tournament (as we know it or care to know it), and see what Syracuse can put together. Keep it here for ongoing and more up-to-date BET coverage. I promise, we'll be on top of it!
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Hoya Hate
Syracuse students agree: We're gonna be packed in for a great college basketball game.
Georgetown versus Syracuse. 35,000 plus. Last conference game in the Carrier Dome. #11 versus #8. This has the makings of a classic. For 33 years these teams have hated each other. Tomorrow afternoon will be no different. Syracuse is coming off an impressive win over Providence, blowing them out at the Carrier Dome. Georgetown blew out Providence in DC. Something that isn't exactly impressive as it was against DePaul, but in the Big East any blowout is noteworthy. Syracuse will play zone and need to keep scoring against the Hoyas, who have some pretty tough defense. Syracuse will need steals and transition points to keep ahead of Georgetown. Since Syracuse is at home I anticipate a good shooting night for all involved in Orange, especially James Southerland, CJ Fair, and Brandon Triche. CJ Fair was again a solid scoring leader in the last game, Southerland was great shooting off the bench from way back, and MCW dished out the ball enough to earn a double-double. The real X-Factor in this game is Otto Porter. The leading scorer (15.1ppg) and rebounder (7.7rpg) for the Hoyas, he banged his knee recently. If he is 100% Syracuse could have trouble containing him. He can be a zone buster hitting mid-range shots in the gaps, or even drilling some big outside shots. If he is off however, Georgetown could have a very long day. Not like Nate Lubick is going to set the world on fire. That guy sucks. If he is playing well we should have a good game on our hands. If Porter is off, Georgetown will struggle late in the game and Syracuse will cruise to victory. Either way this should be a fun atmosphere, and electric crowd, and a very loud Dome. No way I'm picking against the Orange in this game, all things considered. Syracuse over the Hoyas by 14. This game will be available nationally on CBS at 4:00pm. If you're going to the game good luck with your phone and/or internet. Do some good and donate a caned good on your way to the game. This place is going to be bonkers. ... And Georgetown stills sucks!
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Georgetown, Hoya Hate, Preview, Rivalries
Georgetown - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR Goodbye Georgetown
0 Comments Published on 2.10.2012 by Brian Harrison
Syracuse wins thanks to this guy.
It was close. It was tense, It was... a typical match between Syracuse and Georgetown. The game lived up to the billing. A grinding game that went to overtime, Syracuse managed a three point win to remain atop the Big East, and send the Hoyas packing. A flight to DC is not fun after a loss I'm sure.
This game was close the entire time. The Hoyas had the lead at the half 31 to 27. Syracuse started the second half on an 8-0 run though to take the lead. There were a few more lead changes before the Hoyas tied the game. Syracuse had the chance to win the game in regulation, but the Orange failed to score so it was overtime. Kris Joseph was the hero as he drilled a three pointer to take the lead with about 27 seconds left. The Hoyas were unable to score again. Syracuse wins in overtime over rival Georgetown 64 to 61.
- Kris Joseph lead all scorers with a career high of 29 points. After missing all threes attempted in the last three games, Joseph hit 6-11 from long range, including the go ahead score that won the game.
- CJ Fair again lead Syracuse in rebounding with nine. Fab Melo had seven.
- Scoop Jardine did distribute the ball well, earning eight assists. Sadly he had four turnovers, leading the team in that category. Truth be told he has never really played well ever against Georgetown except at Georgetown last season.
- Melo had six blocks in this game.
- Syracuse obviously was crushed in the rebounding category 48 to 30. Jim Boeheim was not pleased.
- Syracuse did lead in shooting from the floor with 34.9% and 33.3% (8-24) from three. Georgetown did lead in freethrows with 87.5% over 75%. Georgetown was 33.3% and 23.8% (5-21) from the floor respectively. Oddly, it felt like Georgetown hit a ton more threes than they actually hit.
- Georgetown had 16 assists, two more than Syracuse.
- Syracuse only had nine turnovers to Georgetown's 14. So there's that.
- Dion Waiters was only 1-6 from behind the arc. Triche was 1-4, but the one he hit was in transition pulling up from the top of the key. Looked like Gerry McNamara in 2004.
- Kris Joseph played all 45 minutes.
- Syracuse has not beaten Georgetown five out of the last seven meetings.
- Syracuse winning prevented Georgetown from winning two games in the Dome in a row since '86/87-'87-88.
- Syracuse is now 19-2 in overtime in the Carrier Dome under Jim Boeheim.
- Syracuse, if remaining in the Big East one more year, will definitely play Georgetown in DC next season, but it is possible that they will be playing home and home so there is a chance the Hoyas make it back to the Dome as a conference foe one more time.
- The game was officiated very loosely. As in a lot of contact was not called. Again, just another classic Georgetown/SU game.
- If this is the last time these two teams meet in the Dome as conference rivals this is a storybook way to end it. A win in overtime.
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Georgetown, Georgetown Still Sucks, Hoya Hate
Syracuse students agree: Your mother's a Hoya!
Well here it is. The biggest rivalry game of the season. #11/12 versus #2. Thompson III versus Boeheim. Gray versus orange. I really don't think I'm overstating things when I say this is the biggest rivalry game in the nation aside from Duke versus UNC. Over 30,000 people in the Dome. National television. What more of an introduction do you need?
The best player on Georgetown is clearly Jason Clark, who is averaging 15.2ppg, and he can shoot the ball really well. But you can't fail to account for Hollis Thompson as well. He averages 13.7ppg and he shoots the long ball the best in the league, at 48.4%. Syracuse will allow three point shots in the zone, but the key is to contest as many as they can. They have demonstrated that they can do that luckily. The key to this game will be Georgetown's offense versus Syracuse's defense. The team that manages to win the defensive battle will win this game. While G'town's defense has played well lately they have been getting hype for limiting their last two opponents to 44 and 45 points. Those teams were UConn and South Florida. UConn has taken Pitt's place as the hot garbage fire of the Big East after their Monday night affair, and South Florida isn't an offensive powerhouse. Georgetown does have several wins against top teams in the nation however, so you cannot discount their experience against good opponents. These games are always grind out kind of games. Who can do the dirty work will win this game. Fab Melo as a presence in the zone can only help the driving of the G'town guards. Guarding against the "Princeton" back door cut will be key for Fair, Melo, and of course Christmas when he is in. Again it comes down to defense. Syracuse still has the best scoring offense in the Big East, so this match up should scare Georgetown, as well as the 30,000 plus that will be in the Carrier Dome. Rebounding should be a problem for Georgetown as well. G'town's best rebounder is Otto Porter, who comes off the bench. Nate Lubick (3.7ppg, 4.3rpg) may be the worst starter in the Big East I'm convinced. That's not a G'town bias. That is just from watching him play. He's dead weight on the floor against top talent in the Big East. Syracuse is also deeper and have several scoring options. Despite the fact I think all the matchups favor Syracuse, this will again be a close, classic battle between these two teams. If Syracuse doesn't chuck up a bunch of threes and only takes good shots this should go nicely. Syracuse is at home and more talented. I'm picking the Orange over the Hoyas by eight.
This game will be nationally televised on ESPN at 7:00pm tonight. You will be looking live at Brent Musburger and Bob Knight so you'll at least enjoy the game if you are watching on TV if you can't make it to the Dome. Now as long as we have a decently officiated game we'll all be in business. If you need another primer for the game check out this article from the Georgetown student newspaper from a few years ago about the rivalry. They interview me so you know it's got some solid anti-Georgetown statements in it. If you haven't already, see how much of a hater you are with your official Hoya Hater Certification Test here. Of course, you have to check out our old friend Matt Glaude at Hoya Suxa as well. Do remember to keep it classy to the Hoya fans, if they dare make the trip. And hopefully we'll see something like this tonight...
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Georgetown, Hoya Hate, Preview
Syracuse - Georgetown Postgame Reactions OR Yeah, We Got In And You Lost
0 Comments Published on 2.28.2011 by Brian Harrison
Johnny Cal had front row seats to the destruction.
Syracuse earned a revenge victory on Monday at Villanova. The only thing left on the revenge checklist was heading down to DC and getting one back from the hated Hoyas of Georgetown. Well Syracuse did just that. They earned a 58 to 51 win in the Verizon Center.
Scoop Jardine has had some questionable games this season, but he played outstanding at Villanova and started the game in DC with a huge three to start the Syracuse scoring. Syracuse was in a major offensive rhythm in the first half, heading into halftime with a 33 to 23 lead. But Syracuse came out flat in the second half, as Georgetown was able to grab rebounds and put points on the board. Eventually Georgetown took a 45 to 43 lead with ten minutes to go. But then Georgetown went 1-12 in the final ten minutes of the game, including a couple turnovers from Nate Lubick, who I'm convinced shouldn't have a scholarship after watching this game. Georgetown missed from the outside and layups. Syracuse, despite not controlling rebounding as well, earned points on a few circus shots, made Triche free throws, and a little bit of luck. Syracuse finished with a victory to avenger their earlier loss.
- Jardine was again Syracuse's leading scorer with 17 points on 7-16, 3-9 shooting. He also added seven assists, four rebounds, and only had one turnover. He could have iced the game by making the front end of a 1-and-1, but he nailed an absolute dagger three late in the game and hit a ridiculous circus shot to keep Syracuse scoring. He was clearly the best player on the floor for Syracuse late in the game.
- Rick Jackson added 12 points going 5-7 on the day, along with seven rebounds. While he was not as successful on the boards, he had an excellent offensive day when he was given the ball.
- Brandon Triche continued his poor shooting, only going 1-7 from the field, but he finished with nine points hitting 6-6 from the free throw line, as well as getting absolutely mugged on several possessions with no fouls called. He should have gotten more points on those free throws.
- Kris Joseph had another bad game. He only earned four points on 2-7 shooting and 0-2 shooting from behind the arc. He did have three steals, but his offense has been lackluster this season in the Big East, and he has not gotten any better as the season has progressed.
- Baye Moussa Keita seemed non-existent on the floor in this game and his statistics prove it. Zero points and one rebounds.
- The return of Southie! James Southerland reappeared and went 4-8 from the floor, earning nine points in 21 minutes. He added three rebounds and two steals as well. A great day for him.
- Dion Waiters also bounced back, getting give points on 2-4, 1-3 shooting. He also earned two rebounds and two assists.
- CJ Fair was also non-existent on the floor, missing all two of his attempts from the floor. Just not the young freshman's day.
- Fab Melo actually saw seven minutes of action and earned two points. The dude just can't catch the ball while running though. He needs to get with it in the off season.
- G'town shot 45.3% from the floor in the Carrier Dome against Syracuse, but Syracuse limited Georgetown to 36% from the floor in this game, only making 18 field goals.
- Syracuse shot 40.7% from the floor and 30% from behind the arc. That's better than G'towns 36 and 28% respectively. However Syracuse shot only 61.5% from the free throw line and 66.7% for Georgetown.
- Bill Clinton, Syracuse's 2003 Commencement Speaker and G'town graduate was in attendance. Along with the Geico Caveman.
- Yeah, I got in. Along with tons of other Syracuse fans, who were the majority of fans in the upper tier 400s. Also some empty seats. Not quite the sell out Georgetown stated. "Let's Go Orange!" rang out in the closing moments.
- The boo birds were out in full force in line waiting to get in as I paraded past them from the Metro heading to Clyde's. Occasionally some threw stuff at us. Way to keep it classy G'town students. Similarly waiting for a Metro train in leaving a girl in a Georgetown shirt said to her friend "let's just punch everyone in orange ahead of us." Great stuff.
- Thanks to everyone we met this past weekend, especially all the orange Twitterati in attendance. A lot of fun with you all.
- Kudos to this guy in the Georgetown student section rocking orange. You were doing God's work.
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Brian Harrison's Terrific Travels, Hoya Hate, Rivalries
Syracuse students agree: The revenge tour pulls into DC Saturday.
The Orange make the trip down to DC to take on a Georgetown team in a different position than they were earlier this season. Different too are the gentlemen from Syracuse. For the evil Hoya collective, Chris Wright, the Hoyas' leading scorer with 13.1ppg and a three point percentage of 35, is out with a broken left hand. While he may return before the end of the season, he will not be on the floor on Saturday. And Syracuse is playing much better, after an upset win at Villanova on Monday to avenge an earlier loss in the season. As an aside, of the three teams Syracuse plays twice this season, the road team has always won. The Big East be crazy. Anyway, Syracuse's offense and defense is much better than when they were at the point of the season they played Georgetown. The scoring has been more consistent, and the zone has been far more active and have covered shooters better behind the arc. Georgetown is also coming off a stunning loss to Cincinnati in DC. What? Austin Freeman is still the leading scorer for G'town with 17.8ppg and hitting 40.6% from behind the arc. But other than Freeman, with Wright out they only have one more double-digit scorer. Georgetown is reeling from Wright being out, either in reality or in their minds. And honestly, save for about four minutes of just terrible offense and defense at the end of the game in the Carrier Dome, Syracuse could have won that one. I like Syracuse to take the game this time, especially if Triche steps up and scores from behind the arc again. Scoop needs to keep playing like he's still in Philadelphia too. But really, this team is playing smart, patient offense which is the biggest difference in the last few games. And hello CJ Fair. I like the Orange by seven.
Orange::44 Correspondent John Brennan and I will be in DC for this one so it should be a ridiculous affair before, during, and after. Sign of the Whale and Clyde's respectively, before the Verizon Center for bottoms up beers while the Orange rightfully vanquish the smug, douchebaggery ridden masses of Georgetown. Say hi, hate on a Hoya, and Go Orange. We'll be back next week with lacrosse coverage, as well as our thoughts on the Calhoun suspension as another evil empire, Connecticut, has seen some justice at least.
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Georgetown, Hoya Hate, Preview, Rivalries
Georgetown - Syracuse Preview Plus Bonus Hoya Hate
0 Comments Published on 2.09.2011 by Brian Harrison
And thank God for that!
We here at Orange::44 don't get too worked up over many things. I mean how excited can you get over playing South Florida? But we do get exceptionally worked up for the big rivalry games. After all, rivalries are what make college sports special. So before we get to the preview, I review the top three moments, in my opinion, of this rivalry.
Honorable Mention
There are a lot of great moments in this rivalry, between John Thompson getting kicked out of the Carrier Dome, and Ewing taking some swings. But the biggest honorable mention for Syracuse fans has to be the 2007 home win versus Georgetown. Syracuse was basically left for dead in the league, and they came back to beat #10/9 on Senior Night. Cue the court rush.
#3
It's 2004, and #24 Syracuse is in Washington. The game is tied with seconds left, and Hakim Warrick brings the ball up the court. Focusing on Warrick, Georgetown loses McNamara and Gerry hit a huge three ball at the buzzer to give SU the win. It really didn't have any impact on the season, but beating your rival in their house always feels good. To do it on a buzzer beater is better. And considering until the 2009-2010 season it was the last time Syracuse won in DC it was a very good win.
#2
Syracuse needed four wins in four days in the Big East Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament in 2006. They did just that, but in game three Syracuse faced #23 Georgetown in the semifinal round. Georgetown was ahead the entire game until with only seconds remaining, Matt Gorman got a steal and Gerry McNamara passed the ball up to Eric Devendorf for a lay up and their first lead of the game. Syracuse held on to win and eventually won the Tournament.
#1
Syracuse was riding a winning streak of over 50 games in February of 1980. It was the last men's basketball game in Manley Field House and SU was ranked #2. We all know how this ends. Syracuse lost and John Thompson proclaimed "Manley Field House is now closed." What a dick. That is the stuff legendary rivalries are made of.
So we fast forward to this season. #11 Georgetown enters the Carrier Dome to take on #12/13 Syracuse. Let's get some numbers out of the way first. John Thompson III has never won in the Carrier Dome. Georgetown has beaten the Orange once in the Carrier Dome since 1995 and have not won in the Dome since 2002. Coincidentally enough, that was the last game that was a third loss in three games in the Carrier Dome. That being said, Georgetown has won six games in a row, and Syracuse two. Austin Freeman is the leading scorer for the Hoyas, earning 18.7ppg. Chris Wright is also averaging 12.8ppg. Both can shoot, but G'town was 0-11 in the second half of their game against Providence. This game breaks down pretty simply though. Syracuse has a tough defense that is now clicking on all cylinders again. Georgetown has a very good offense that has the capability of scoring and they shoot the ball very well. The SU defense is about as good as the Georgetown offense. So what does that mean for the game? Syracuse will have to earn rebounds. The good news is that Rick Jackson is averaging five more rebounds a game than the Georgetown leader Julian Vaughn. If Syracuse pays attention and limits back door cuts for Georgetown, as well as earns rebounds off missed Georgetown shots, Syracuse will win this game. Earning transition baskets will also be important. I think Georgetown will probably get out to an early lead, but Syracuse will again come back and win this game, similar to how the Connecticut game went for them. I see Syracuse winning this one by five at home.
We're really ramping up the hate on Twitter today. Check out @BH_Orange44 and @JBren for coverage before the game. As there will be a large crowd in the Dome coverage may be spotty later, but look for a lot of hate leading up to the tip. The game, in case you just missed it, is 7:00pm tonight on ESPN / ESPN HD. Oh and one more item, courtesy of our friends the Idiots on Sports...
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Hoya Hate, Rivalries
Many months ago when the SU Men's Basketball schedule came out, there was one date that stood out to me above all others: a February 18 matchup against Georgetown in Washington. At that precise moment, I said "I am going to that game." Not only was this a game against the most hated rival of Syracuse, but it would also happen to fall on my birthday. So I basically promised myself I would go to that game, no matter what. Luckily when I make promises to myself I always follow through with them, and so this past Thursday morning, I made that thought into a reality.
With the car all packed up and a half a tank of gas, I put the key in the ignition and turned on the car.
The song playing on 80s on 8 was Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" to which I replied "Why, yes I was, 28 years ago." The trip was already off to a good start.
The song playing on 80s on 8 was Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" to which I replied "Why, yes I was, 28 years ago." The trip was already off to a good start.But it wasn't The Boss that I was itching to listen to; for most long road trips, I make a special CD. This trip would be no different.
This one was called "Hoya Hater Birthday 2010" and kicked off with a special podcast recorded the night before by Brian (of Orange::44), Sean (of Nunes/Magician), and Matt (of Hoya Suxa). Because what's a better way to get into the mood to hate the Hoyas than by listening to three of the best in the business talk about it?Soon after leaving the happy confines of Horseheads, I found myself one step closer to enemy
territory, entering the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I couldn't help but think that someone with a Georgetown degree probably erected that sign. Getting deeper into Penn's Woods, I eventually found myself in Williamsport, the headquarters of Little League Baseball and the home of both a Subway and a McDonald's. 
This was clutch for me because I happened to have $5 in my wallet and a big appetite, along with a craving to have my first Shamrock Shake of the season. And so I had a wonderful birthday lunch consisting of a footlong Turkey & Ham, and a Shamrock Shake.Reenergized, I continued on my way. Anyone who has ever made the trek through Pennsylvania knows that it goes on and on and on and on. So it was a very welcome sight to drive by this sign,
entering Maryland. This was important for a number of reasons: I was no longer in PA; I was in an actual state; and I was almost to Washington! Oddly enough though, I was noticing that the farther south I drove, the more snow they had. Horseheads had a couple inches on the ground, but I get to Maryland and they have a couple feet!Anyway, I eventually get into Washington, meet up with my friend Vicki, and hop on the Metro to head to the Verizon Center. For the first leg of our trip, we board the Orange Line. Unfortunately we have to transfer, but who do we bump into waiting for our next train at the transfer? The Congressional representative for Syracuse, Mr. Dan Maffei! And to his credit, he was wearing an orange tie and was also en route to the Verizon Center. Upon leaving the Metro, we walk to Clyde's, a bar next to the Verizon Center where the DC Alumni Club is having a pregame party. At the time I tweeted that there were ten thousand Cuse fans there. That may have been an exaggeration, but not by much. The entire place (huge, by the way), was completely packed with Cuse fans. And nearly everyone's wearing orange. And getting liquored up. It was certainly a great atmosphere to be in, especially when you're moments away from entering hostile territory against your most hated enemy. Strength in numbers always helps, which is why I was so happy to see the Clyde's crowd spill into the Verizon Center and virtually take over the place.
By the time we got into the concourse it was only a couple minutes until tip, so I made the executive decision to go right to my seat and wait until the under-16 timeout to get food and beer. On the way to my seat I hear a "Hey John" from behind me. I turn around to see Raymond, who I first met in New Orleans in 2003. More on this later. Anyway, I won't bore you with details of the game, but Syracuse got off to a hot start. There would be no spotting the Hoyas 14 points this go-around. At the first media timeout, I was back out to the concourse where I purchased a chicken sandwich and a Bud Light. 24oz. for $7.50. And I thought for about 30 seconds whether that was a better or worse deal than at the Carrier Dome. Then I figured out that 16oz. for $5 is the same. Though in the long run I gotta give the edge to the Verizon Center, since you can buy more beer at once.
Between eating, drinking, and watching the game, I was not really into twitter as much as I usually am. But during a timeout near the end of the first half, I noticed that Brian tweeted about Erin Andrews being there. A quick scan of the arena and BOOM I'm able to spot her, standing with the cheerleaders (of course). Erin Andrews, it seems, is stalking me on my birthday. Because back in 2006 when College Gameday came to the Dome, that also happened to fall on my birthday, and I was lucky enough to get a picture with her. I had approached her that day with a "It's my birthday today, can I have my picture with you?" She replied "You don't have to lie to get a picture." I offered to show her my license, but I think she was in a hurry and just wanted to pose. So, that was 4 years ago. Now it's 2010 and she's back. She kept her distance this time, though. At least, as far as I know.
So at halftime, Syracuse is up on the Hoyas 44-31. Just dominating the game. I like the position Syracuse has put itself in. Satisfied for the moment, I go get some more magic juice for the second half, and start having thoughts of how -- and when -- Syracuse would ruin
the good thing they had going. I was never really able to pinpoint a how or a when, but I knew it would happen. And it did. Luckily thanks to Andy Rautins, the Orangemen never relinquished the lead they had since the opening tip. But I think all of Orange Nation inside the Verizon Center was standing and cheering the last 2 minutes of the game. And I'm sure a lot of the "Let's Go Orange!" chants were audible on TV. Just a great atmosphere to be in under those circumstances. Syracuse got to 75 points and I celebrated a fake Taco Time, and a few seconds later, celebrated a real victory over the Hoyas! I think we all just stood there and soaked it in: that Syracuse had beaten Georgetown in its own home, and had completed the season sweep! Clearly, it was time to go celebrate with some more adult beverages.So we made our way to a bar near the Verizon Center, RFD. Lots of TVs including a bar upstairs. And virtually a sea of orange! I'm pretty sure all the Hoya fans went directly home after the game. So we're in there having a good time, and who to I run into again? Raymond. So how do I know him? Well, long story short, my first night in New Orleans for the Final Four in 2003 I get separated from my friends on Bourbon Street, and try to walk back to my hotel by myself. Let's just say I don't have all my wits about me, I get lost, and I get in a fight with some bushes. Well, Raymond and a friend of his happen to find me, are able to elicit important information from me (i.e. the hotel I'm staying at) and they help me walk there. It helped that they were staying at the same hotel. Evidently the whole walk home I kept saying "I just wanna go to my room!" I ran into him on Bourbon Street the next night, he filled in some gaps from the night before, and wanted me to say it again, "I just wanna go to my room!" From then on, I have run into Raymond in a number of places randomly, and he always puts in the request for me to say it. So anyway, back to the bar. We exchange pleasantries, he buys me a shot, and I continue with my evening. I met up with some other Syracuse friends and continued to enjoy the night.
The next day, I completed the governmental hat trick, visiting the White House, the Supreme Court, and the Capitol. I highly recommend doing all three. Just in case you've got a Georgetown education, here are photos of what each of the three buildings look like:
The rest of the weekend consisted of an Olympics Party that had an ice luge (I represented Ireland) and my totally not exciting ride home. This was a great weekend for me, and a great weekend to be a member of Orange Nation. One thing is clear about this basketball team: they win all their games in places not called the Carrier Dome. And they win most of the games there. They find a way to win games. Sure, it's cliche, but it's true. And that's what you want in a basketball team. A team that puts numbers in the W column. All in all, a wonderful trip on a wonderful weekend. One could even call it tremendously tremendous. I recommend you all attend a Syracuse/GTown game in Washington sometime in your life.Now, hopefully I'll have a reason over the next several weeks to travel to other places besides Syracuse to watch them play basketball...
Labels: Hoya Hate, Road Trip, Syracuse Basketball