Syracuse Orange Defy Expectations, Advance to Sweet 16

Strategic Insights -

The Syracuse Orange, led by Canadians Andy Rautins and Kris Joseph, convincingly defeated Gonzaga University 87-65 in the NCAA tournament's west regional, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the second successive year. Despite being without their starting centre, Arinze Onauku, the Orange looked like a top seed, thanks to the cohesion and contributions of their players. Rautins, a fifth-year senior and Canadian national team member, was instrumental in the win, scoring 24 points, including 5-of-9 from deep, and earning praise from former Orange star and current Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jonny Flynn.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Syracuse Orange, led by Canadians Andy Rautins and Kris Joseph, defeated Gonzaga University 87-65 in the NCAA tournament's west regional.
  • The Orange, who were projected to fall off steeply after losing their top three scorers from last season, defied expectations with a 30-4 record.
  • Rautins, a 5th-year senior and Canadian national team member, scored 24 points, including 5-of-9 from deep, to help Syracuse pull away from Gonzaga.
  • Freshman Walter Beslich scored a career-high 13 points, while senior Will Graham had 11 points off the bench.
  • Syracuse's season continues Thursday as it meets No. 5 seed Butler in the Sweet 16.
  • Rautins's contribution earned praise from all corners, including former Orange star and current Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jonny Flynn.

Statistics:

  • Syracuse Orange: 87 points, 28 rebounds, 18 assists, 5-of-9 3-pointers
  • Gonzaga University: 65 points, 26 rebounds, 10 assists, 10-of-26 3-pointers
  • Andy Rautins: 24 points (7-of-13), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 5-of-9 3-pointers
  • Kris Joseph: 5 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
  • Robert Sacre (Gonzaga University): 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocked shots

Sources:

  • Michael Grange, "Sydney Morning Herald" (exact date not specified)
  • Mike Waters, Syracuse University Athletics (exact date not specified)
  • Jonny Flynn, Minnesota Timberwolves (exact date not specified)
  • Leo Rautins, Syracuse University Athletics (exact date not specified)