A game after Syracuse totaled a season-worst 53 points in a loss to Pittsburgh, SU scored its most points, 94, since, November 30, in Syracuse scored 110 against Indiana. The win snaps a two-game skid and avenges an 77-74 overtime loss against the Demon Deacons exactly three weeks prior.
It wasn’t just Boeheim’s dazzling performance that did the job – four SU players reached double figures, and the Orange shot over 57% from the floor.
“Tonight we had the best balance in our offense,” said Jim Boeheim after the win, the 992nd of his career.
Despite the blowout result, SU trailed at halftime, 42 to 39. What followed was as strong a half as Syracuse has had all season. 55 points–which ties a season best for a half, on a lethal 62 percent from the field. An 18-3 early second half run catapulted the Orange into a lead they would not relinquish.
Syracuse was able to build that lead thanks to an equally dominant defensive effort. The Orange forced 17 turnovers and only allowed 30 second half Demon Deacons points.
“Buddy and Joe did a great job of getting deflections…the reason why you win by twenty is because your defense is good,” said Swider, who added 18 points.
The 17 turnovers is the most SU has forced in a game against an ACC opponent all season.
The Orange are back on the road for their next matchup Wednesday in Raleigh against NC State (10-13). Countdown to tipoff is set for 8:30 pm with game time at 9 from PNC Arena.