BROOKLYN, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Syracuse men’s basketball team gave Duke a fight, but ultimately fell 88-79 this afternoon. The loss eliminated the Orange from the ACC Tournament. It also means the team will finish under .500 for the first time in the Jim Boeheim era.
SU was without Senior Guard Buddy Boeheim, who was suspended one game for punching a Florida State player yesterday. Jimmy Boeheim led the Orange with 28 points while shooting 6-9 from deep. Joe Girard was next in line with 23 points, and Cole Swider added 15 of his own.
Syracuse was hot early, shooting well from behind the arc and taking a 40-36 lead into halftime. However, foul trouble caught up to them. Swider and Bourama Sidibe each had four and were in danger of fouling out near the end of the game.
After Jimmy Boeheim made a shot to put the Orange up 79-78, the Blue Devils went on a ten point run to finish the game.
Wendell Moore was the lead scorer for Duke with 26 points, and Jeremy Roach added 19 off of the bench. The Blue Devils won all three of their matchups with the Orange this season.
This was likely the last time Jimmy Boeheim and Swider will suit up for Syracuse. Buddy Boeheim is also not expected to return next season.
Head Coach Jim Boeheim will return to coach despite his sons choosing to finish their college careers this year.
