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It took a bit longer but Boeheim's Army survived in overtime against 20th & Olney, a team of mostly La Salle alums, to advance to the Super 17 Regional portion of The Basketball Tournament.
The Army got off to a nice lead in the first half, only for Olney to come back a take a five-point lead at the break. The former Syracuse Orange players regained the lead behind Demetris Nichols and Eric Devendorf in the second half, but the former La Salle players fought back. It was a back-and-forth affair down the stretch that eventually went to overtime.
The game also got chippy in the second half; After a tie up in the corner, a scrum followed with none other than Eric Devendorf in the middle.
That little scrum happened right in front of me. Really wasn't as nasty as it probably looked. No idea what officials are sorting out.
— Syracuse Basketball (@syrbasketball) July 19, 2015
Devendorf was ejected and replaced by Olu Famutimi in the overtime period. Down by one with under 20 seconds to play, Keita made the play of the game by blocking a shot that led to a run out. Willie Deane shoveled a pass to the other non-Syracuse alum, Famutimi, who was fouled at the rim. Famutimi knocked down two free throws that sealed the win as Boeheim's Army stole the ball on the ensuing possession. The team will now advance to play in the Super 17 next weekend in Chicago.
Nichols once again led the team in scoring with 28 points, followed by Devo's 18 and Hakim Warrick's 17. Willie Deane also put together another solid performance, finishing with 13 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
.@BoeheimsArmy is #OnToChicago #Cusembb @Cuse #thetournament pic.twitter.com/j6fJFpbwEk
— TBT (@thetournament) July 19, 2015
There won't be a Syracuse-Georgetown matchup as DMV's Finest fell to the Liberty Ballers, 85-73. Instead, a Syracuse-Villanova matchup is next with names such as Reggie Redding, Antonio Peña and James Bell joining a troika of Siena alums in Ronald Moore, Ryan Rossiter and Kenny Hasbrouck.
The Super 17 games will be aired on ESPNU. By advancing to the Super 17, TBT will also now provide transportation and lodging for Boeheim's Army from here on out. The team remains hopeful that Rick Jackson and Donte Greene will be able to join them in Chicago.
Fans wishing to attend the event in Chicago can purchase tickets here. Tickets for the Super 17 at DePaul University are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for kids 12 years of age or younger. Make sure you wear your Boeheim's Army jersey, socks to support the team on their way to...