Back On Track: Syracuse Topples Struggling Memphis

Coming off a harsh and close loss to Pittsburgh three days ago, the Orange kept a positive mindset heading into their fixture against the Memphis Tigers at the Carrier Dome.

The first half turned out to be a close one.  Both teams executed well in the paint, but neither team was playing spectacularly by any stretch of the imagination.

Turnovers were a constant in the game. It seemed like every time the Orange had possession, it would be capped off by a bad pass or dropped ball somewhere along the line.

Both teams entered the locker rooms tied at 32.  Syracuse started the second half with a three-pointer by Andy Rautins, and never looked back.  Entering the second half, Syracuse made five of nine three-pointers, and those numbers quickly increased.

Wesley Johnson showed tremendous effort off the glass, and his efforts in the paint were duly noted.  Willy Kemp kept the game close for the Tigers, but when Elliot Williams missed a dunk in a glorified attempt at making the highlight reel, the Orange quickly capitalized.

The Canadian Kris Joseph had a sensational second half thanks to the Memphis defense collapsing within the first ten minutes of the second half.  This allowed the Orange, particularly Wesley Johnson, to take over the game and end it with a 17-point win.

The final score of 74-57 was exactly what head coach Jim Boeheim wanted to see.  Bouncing back from a loss to Pittsburgh was vital for the Orange's season, and they did it in prolific style. 

With a 14-1 record and ranked No.7, the Orange can now look toward tougher opponents such as Notre Dame, Marquette, Georgetown, and Cincinnati. 

With a lineup as talented as the one Jim Boeheim has, it's no wonder they are the favorites to upset the unbeatens this season.  If they keep going the way they are, the Final Four may be in the grasp of the Orange.