ST. JOHN'S SEES ORANGE IN GARDEN LOSS

February 25, 2009

For the 31st time in 33 years as a college basketball head coach, all at Syracuse, Jim Boeheim has won 20 games or more. The 20th win of the 2008-2009 season for the Orange came last night as Syracuse Enjoys a Big Win over St. John's (Syracuse Post-Standard), 87-58, at Madison Square Garden.

Boeheim Sets NCAA Record With 31st 20-win Season (Post-Standard), bettering the record of 30 that the Hall of Fame SU coach previously shared with UNC legend Dean Smith. Of course, after the game, the emphasis was on what is next, a home date with Cincinnati, and coming up for the Orange, who are now 8-7 in the Big East.

In their previous outing, SU lost a heartbreaker, 89-86, to Villanova in the Dome. In that game, sophomore point guard Jonny Flynn struggled from the field, shooting 5-17 and suffering from flu-like symptoms. On Wednesday, Flynn Gets Well and Shines on College Basketball's Big Stage (Post-Standard) at Madison Square Garden, leading SU with 21 points and 8 assists. Eric Devendorf added 17 and big men Arinze Onuaku (14 points) and Rick Jackson (15) points each connected on seven of eight field goal attempts to pace an attack that shot 65% from the field and scored 87 points, despite 20 turnovers.


It was a Humiliating Night at the Garden (NY Daily News) as over 11,000 fans saw St. John's 'home-cooked' by the Orange fromt he start. SU took a commanding lead early and led 39-18 at the half and were never challenged by Norm Roberts' crew, which was coming off a 70-65 win over Seton Hall Sunday at Carnesecca Arena.

Paris Horne had 17 for SJU who is now 4-11 in the Big East and 13-15 overall. It is a gut-check game ahead on Saturday when SJU travels to play DePaul, who is currently 0-14 in the Big East, lose that one and it might be very difficult to believe the SJU fans and boosters would Let Norm Live out the season in peace as the 'Storm coach. SJU also has Georgetown at home and a road trip to Notre Dame before participating in the 2009 Big East Tournament in the Garden.