WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the first time since winning the school’s lone National Championship in 2003, the Syracuse Orange are headed back to the Final Four.
With another suffocating defensive effort, Syracuse disposed of Big East rival and 3rd-seeded Marquette by a 55-39 final. The Orange’s 2-3 zone forced the Golden Eagles to the perimeter, where the worst 3-point shooting team in the field of 68 unfortunately lived up to its billing. Marquette shot a dreadful 3-for-25 (12.0%) from beyond the arc, and just 12-for-53 from field overall (22.6%), as the Orange gradually pulled away in the second half to emerge as the champions of the East Regional. Marquette’s 39 points are the lowest-ever team for a team in an Elite Eight matchup.
Syracuse put three players in double-figures, with James Southerland’s 16 points leading the way. C.J. Fair and Michael Carter-Williams added 13 and 12 apiece, respectively. Vander Blue and Davante Gardner each scored 14 points for Marquette, who failed to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2003, when Dwyane Wade led them. Syracuse was also in the Final Four that year, and are hoping their 5th trip in school history will result in the school’s 2nd National Championship. They will meet the winner of the Michigan-Florida matchup in the National Semifinals on April 6th.
Ian Eagle and John Thompson called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(James Southerland connects for three as Orange grab early 10-5 lead)
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(Brandon Triche gets into the act as the SU lead expands to nine)
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(Marquette comes back as Davante Gardner buries a jumper to cut deficit to three)
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(Vander Blue with an “and-one”, as Golden Eagles continue to keep it close)
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(Southerland strikes again, as Syracuse opens up a 35-25 lead)
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(Michael Carter-Williams right to the rack as the Orange lead becomes a dozen)
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(Southerland throws down a monster dunk as Syracuse builds 45-32 lead)
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(Just for good measure, MCW with a late three for the icing on the cake)
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(For the first time since 2003, Syracuse is going to the Final Four!)
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(Postgame interview with Syracuse’s C.J. Fair)
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(East Regional wrap-up with Ian Eagle and John Thompson)
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