Syracuse Holds on to Top Boston College in the Dome
Syracuse jumped out to a 19 point lead in the first half, but survived a Boston College comeback to earn a 69-59 win inside the JMA Wireless Dome Wednesday night. With the victory, the Orange improved to 11-4 (2-2) on the season. Next up is a tough road matchup at #7 North Carolina on Saturday.
Syracuse controlled a vast majority of the first half, using stellar defense to get out to a 19 point lead with just a few minutes left before halftime. However, the Eagles closed on a 13-4 run to trim the lead to just 10. It should have been a far greater advantage, but the Syracuse offense went cold in the half court for large stretches.
The advantage stayed in the eight to 12 point range for a while, before Boston College would cut the deficit to four as the Orange offense went stagnant once again. A 9-0 run midway through the second half gave Boston College its first lead of the game without about seven minutes to play.
Chris Bell then hit a three pointer that gave Syracuse the lead back. Maliq Brown would connect on a put-back dunk to push the lead to four with under six minutes to play. Syracuse would hit free throws down the stretch and escape with a victory.
Maliq Brown would have a stellar game, especially defensively. He held Boston College's best player, Quinten Post, scoreless with seven turnovers in 26 minutes. Post would also foul out. Post was averaging over 18 points per game coming in. Brown would score 19 points, grab eight rebounds, dish out four assists, block four shots and snag four steals.
Bell would lead all scorers with 20 points including four made three pointers. He also had a pair of steals.
Judah Mintz did not start this game but did check into the game midway through the first half. Quadir Copeland started in his place. Following the game, head coach Adrian Autry said it was due to a minor violation of team rules and Mintz is expected to start on Saturday.
Naheem McLeod also did not start as it was announced before the game he will be out indefinitely with an injury. Maliq Brown started at center as a result.
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