NEW YORK — It didn’t go six overtimes and it wasn’t played during the Big East Tournament.
But Syracuse and UConn enjoyed a throwback game before in the Jimmy V Classic, with the Orange prevailing 72-63 before 17,532.
UConn (6-3) brought out its own 2-3 zone to defend against the relatively poor shooting of Syracuse (7-1), but in the end the Orange proved too strong.
Jersey Boy Tyus Battle went for 22 points and Oshae Brissett added 16 points and 10 rebounds for his fourth career double-double.
“Once Tyus got us going, that was the difference in the game,” Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said.
Matthew Moyer had a career-high 18 points and 8 rebounds, including this putback dunk, and Boeheim credited him with being the story of the game.
“Both teams played as hard as you can play,” Boeheim said. “Story of the game is Matthew Moyer. Matt Moyer had a huge game, he’s really struggled all year.”
Matt Moyer flies in for the putback!
via @clippittv pic.twitter.com/StgpNJcGmF
— Basketball Society (@BBallSociety_) December 6, 2017
Asked why Moyer played so well in this game, Boeheim said, “You need to go talk to Matt. He’s been horrible all year…and that’s being nice.”
UConn coach Kevin Ollie credited the freshmen Moyer and Brissett with being the difference-makers.
“Two freshmen beat us,” he said. “They’re really two good freshmen, but they’re not that good. We can’t allow those two freshmen to take over the game, and that’s exactly what they did.
Jalen Adams had 22 points for UConn, which played without point guard Alterique Gilbert (shoulder). Christian Vital added 17 and Terry Larrier had 14.
As far as a timetable on Gilbert, Ollie said he “is rehabbing…There’s no answer yet, we’re just waiting for Al…The ultimate decision-maker is going to be Alterique.”
RECRUITING NOTES
Syracuse commit Jalen Carey was on hand, as were several younger players from St. Benedict’s Prep in Madani Diarra, Isah Mohammed and Lester Quinones
Thats why I chose syracuse !! ?
— Jalen carey (@yungswae5) December 6, 2017
**For more on Syracuse, read about how Jim Boeheim’s decision to coach until his late 70s has stabilized recruiting.
Photo: Syracuse MBB
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