Syracuse University's basketball team dominated the first half against Virginia Tech, leading with strong performances from players like Kyle Cuffe, Chris Bell, Quadir Copeland, and Judah Mintz. Syracuse showcased effective rim attacks and solid defense, but faced a challenge in the second half as Virginia Tech narrowed the lead. The game remained intense with both teams trading baskets, with Syracuse ultimately securing a 77-69 victory.
SU 77, VT 69. 3:19 to go. In a game mostly devoid of defense, a Chris Bell block gave SU a little life but no one is feeling safe here. Engage the Agita. Judah Mintz carrying SU on the offensive end with 26. https://t.co/HQMSlceqD0
Autry calls timeout and SU needs it. The Orange defense has been, how can put this, swiss cheesy. VT 69, SU 62. VT up 35-24 this half. 7:16 to go.
Syracuse's 21-point lead is down to 7. It's 69-62 with 7:16 left. Syracuse cannot stop Virginia Tech. Hokies are getting easy buckets off pick-and-rolls; either drives by Pedulla (18 points) or post-ups for Lynn Kidd (14)
SU 57, VT 42. 14:59 to go. Orange are shooting 63% and that's a good thing because let's say their defense has been a little leaky so far in the 2nd half. Points in the Paint edge down to 34-30.
Halftime at the Dome. SU 45, VT 27. Solid half for SU, particularly in the paint and on the boards. Moving the ball well. Played to the buzzer. But we know this team. Let's see what the 2nd half brings. Smoke if you got 'em https://t.co/vKBaNGY2im
Quadir Copeland throws a perfect lob to Justin Taylor for a bucket and then gets the defensive rebound and takes off for a transition dunk. SU leads 41-25 with 2:11 left in the half. Hokies call their 2nd timeout.
Quadir Copeland gets the Dome rocking with a slam into a timeout. SU 41, VT 25. SU attacking the basket with ease. Not even setting up 3's at this point. Look at points in the paint. That's been the game. https://t.co/VihRjWYxen
#Syracuse is playing GREAT basketball in this first half.
SU has made 7 of its last 8 FG's and have gained a little separation on the Hokies taking a 35-22 lead into a timeout with 4:29 remaining in the 1st half. SU attacking the rim well tonight. 22 points in the paint thus far.
Judah is having a really nice first half. He's got 14 points, SU leads 35-22 and Va Tech calls time.
Kyle Cuffe with a nifty drive to the hoop then hits a 3. Nice lift off the bench. SU 24, VT 18. 7:38 to go 1st half.
Syracuse leads 24-18 at the U-8 timeout. Kyle Cuffe has provided a boost off the bench with a coast-to-coast layup and a 3-pointer.
SU 15, VT 13. 10:04 to go in 1st half. Chris Bell with a nice drive in from the corner to score off the glass. A smart play after forcing a few 3's from the corner so far. https://t.co/kCj8dtUIAW