Recapping Syracuse's Remarkable NCAA Tourney Run | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Recapping Syracuse's Remarkable NCAA Tourney Run

Houston, We Have a Problem...

14
Recapping Syracuse's Remarkable NCAA Tourney Run
USA Today

I think it's fair to say that the Syracuse basketball team has had one of the most interesting seasons in recent memory. Between the promising start in the beginning of the season to the heartbreak of Coach Boeheim leaving in the middle of the year due to a ban from the NCAA, it was definitely a rollercoaster of a year for the Orange.

Many say the 'Cuse got lucky that they were even chosen to be in the tournament because of the poor play down the last stretch of the season. After exiting the ACC Tournament in the first around against a slighty-above-average Pittsburgh team, it looked certain that Syracuse wouldn't be getting its name called on Selection Sunday.


In a shocking turn of events, the committee decided to let the Hall of Fame coach's team into the round of 64, placing them as a 10 seed against a 7-seeded Dayton Bombers in the first round. Blowing out the team from Ohio 70-51, clearly the team was making a statement about why they should be in the tournament.

The next game came against Middle Tennessee (that Cinderella that upset Michigan State and forced me to shred by bracket and cry along with millions of others). Nonetheless, 'Cuse dealed with the Blue Raiders as easily as they sealed with Dayton, beating them by 25. This personally shocked me. I don't want to say I thought SU was going to lose that game, but I for sure thought it was going to be a more highly contested game.

Coming off the upset I expected Middle Tennessee to be fired up, but they actually fell flat. Now Syracuse was in the Sweet 16 and I was actually starting to take them seriously.

Next was Gonzaga and I for sure thought they would lose. My thought was that Kyle Wiltjer would greeting the 2-3 zone with open arms and punish the Syracuse defense. This was not the case, and 'Cuse won ANOTHER game (this run is starting to get remarkable now).

Next was the number one seed in the region, Virginia. In my mind, if they win this game, this is just insane. Virginia beat Syracuse in the regular season and had two of the better players in the tourney, in London Perrantes and Malcolm Brogdon.

This didn't matter though! Syracuse beat their ACC rival in one of the craziest second half comebacks I've ever seen in my life. The Orange were down by 16 at one point and I remember saying to myself, "it's over." But Malachi Richardson, was not over. The outstanding freshman dropped 21 of his 23 points in the second half and Boeheim's team climbed all the way back to beat the Cavaliers 68-62.

Now they are in the Final Four. A place they haven't been since 2013. The boys haven't won the trophy since Carmelo Anthony's magical 2003 season, but they have a good chance of taking the title again.

With the way this year of college basketball has been going any of these four teams has a shot of winning it all. Especially Syracuse who has had their backs against the wall from the very beginning.

So here comes my advice. If you don't have a team to root for in the Final Four, bleed Orange! Hop on the bandwagon and experience this incredible run the Orange have gone on because we might not see another cinderella story like this for a very long time.

Oh. And root for the 'cuse women team. They're doing some pretty major things as well.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

2989
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

1544
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

1166
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

1065
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments