Skip to main content
All Syracuse

WATCH: Alan Griffin's Block Saves Syracuse at End of Regulation

The Syracuse forward sent the game into overtime with a tremendous defensive play.
Mike McAllister|
WATCH: Alan Griffin's Block Saves Syracuse at End of Regulation
WATCH: Alan Griffin's Block Saves Syracuse at End of Regulation

Syracuse battled back from a 16 point deficit to top Buffalo 107-96 in overtime as the Orange improved to 6-1 (1-0) on the season. The overtime session almost didn't happen, however. 

After Ronaldo Segu drilled a long three to tie the game at 87, Syracuse called timeout with less than 15 seconds left. The plan was to hold the ball for the final shot and either win the game or head to overtime. However, when Marek Dolezaj started his drive with approximately nine seconds left, he slipped and lost the ball.

Josh Mballa picked it up and threw an outlet to Jayvon Graves. Graves caught the ball, took a couple of dribbles and appeared to be poised to lay the ball in for a Bulls win. Griffin was trailing the play, timed it just right, and blocked the layup so hard it sent the ball near mid-court. 

"Alan's block is one of the best plays I've ever seen in here," head coach Jim Boeheim said. 

"AG just came out of nowhere," Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim said. "I've never seen a block like that before." 

The momentum carried into overtime where Syracuse controlled things right from the jump. The Orange dominated extra frame and ultimately won by 11, turning a 16 point deficit into a double digit win. Without Griffin's block, Syracuse likely loses their final non-conference game of the regular season. 

"The game was on the line," Griffin said after the game. "That was like win or go home right there."

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published
Mike McAllister
MIKE MCALLISTER

Title: Publisher All Syracuse Education: Roberts Wesleyan College Location: Syracuse, New York Expertise: Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting.  EXPERIENCE Mike McAllister has been covering Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting for more than a decade. Mike's career started with his own free blog as a way to vent following sporting events. Shortly thereafter, a network of basketball sites called Coast 2 Coast Hoops asked him to run their Syracuse site. That site was called Nation of Orange, and Mike quickly established it as a go-to for Syracuse fans.  After running Nation of Orange for several months, a position with the Syracuse site on the Scout network became available. After one year as the recruiting expert with Cuse Nation, he was named the publisher. Mike oversaw the transition from Scout to 247Sports, and ran the site on that network for years.  Presented with the opportunity to join one of the biggest names in the sports journalism industry, Sports Illustrated, Mike jumped at the chance. All Syracuse was started from scratch by Mike and the Fan Nation team. It has now become a staple for Orange fans of various sports.  Mike has broken news on recruiting, Syracuse basketball and football team information and has established himself as the top recruiting inside in the market. He has appeared on local radio shows, television broadcasts, national radio shows and much more. Mr. McAllister has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Information Management from Roberts Wesleyan College. 

Share on XFollow McAllisterMike1
Home/Basketball