Let the record show that in games following ones that Eric Devendorf scores zero points, he averages 27 points, 4 assists and 5 steals. Devendorf had, um, 27 points, 4 assists and 5 steals in Syracuse's 75-69 win over DePaul on Saturday. Totally blowing my "Syracuse only does well if Roberts, Nichols and Devendorf all have good games" theory out of the water, neither Nichols or Roberts got into double-digits and neither even made a huge mark on the boards either. Andy Rautins (?!?) poured in 18, all from 3-pointers, in the win.The win was No. 742 in head coach Jim Boeheim's 31-year career, breaking a tie with former Temple coach John Chaney for 14th on the all-time D1 list. You can actually see the unbearable pressure escaping Jim's noggin in the above picture. The Orange led by as much as twenty but, of course, the game ended up being a lot closer.
In keeping with the completely unpredictable nature of the conference this year, Notre Dame hit the floor losing to South Florida 69-63. Villanova defeated Louisville, Marquette handled Providence, West Virginia beat Seton Hall and mighty UConn beat Rutgers yet still remains on the outside looking in at the Big East Tourney.
No rest for the weary tonight as Syracuse visits UConn in what is likely the least anticipated match-up in this series in a while. UConn (14-8, 3-6) is in the midst of their worst season in...I dunno, let's say 25 years. They are officially in desperation mode, not with hopes to make the NCAAs but just to make the Big East tourney. Syracuse (16-7, 5-4) isn't exactly on easy street themselves. They need to almost win out the rest of the season and do some damage in the tournament in order to get serious NCAA tourney consideration. A loss for either team tonight might be the nail in the coffin as far as post-season hopes are concerned.