clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Maui Wowie: C.J. Fair Scores 24 As Orange Win Maui Invitational

Syracuse holds off the Baylor Bears to earn its third Maui Invitational title.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Another Maui Invitational, another Syracuse Orange championship.

Just like their 1990 and 1998 predecessors, the 2013 Syracuse basketball team is leaving Maui with a tournament championship following a 74-67 victory over the No. 18 Baylor Bears.

When they needed him most, C.J. Fair stepped up and led the Orange to victory:

"I knew that the team was looking upon me to make plays, and once I seen a couple of my jumpers go in, that kind of gave me confidence and teammates confidence to keep getting me open and finding me," Fair said. "It was a team effort from there."

The senior forward finished with a game-high 24 points, including 14 in the second half, as Syracuse (7-0) edged Baylor (6-1) 74-67 to win its third Maui Invitational crown and remain undefeated all-time in Lahaina, Hawaii. Fair showcased a polished mid-range game, but also a superb all-around performance, drawing an offensive foul on a half-court trap and showing patience working around off-ball screens.

Jerami Grant, whop helped carry SU in the first half, finished with 19 points while Tyler Ennis garnered 11 points and nine assists.

Now a three-time Maui champion, Jim Boeheim sounds like someone who is done coming to town for "business trips."

"I’ve retired from Maui. That’s what I will tell you. The next time I come to Maui, I’ll have my golf clubs."

/cueretirementquestion

Happy Thanksgiving, Syracuse Fans!

P.S. - Baye Keita in that photo above…God bless you, Baye

P.S.S...

P.S.S.S…