Thoughts on Rutgers-Syracuse

It was frustrating at times, but after 45 minutes of play, the Orange finally downed Rutgers. Syracuse (22-6, 9-6), playing in its first overtime game of the season, beat the Scarlet Knights (13-13, 4-10) 84-80 in game that was tightly contested the entire way. Some bits of tid:

• After some mediocre games, Rick Jackson came back in a big way tonight with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 7 blocks. Jackson picked up his fourth foul with 7:02 left in regulation but was smart the rest of the way.

Rick was rock solid today (Kevin Rivoli/AP)

• His stone hands cost the Orange a potential win in regulation, though. Jackson was alone under the basket but bobbled a pass with 10 seconds to play. Instead of making a game winning layup, he was fouled and made only one of two, sending the game to overtime.

• Kris Joseph reasserted himself as well, scoring 21 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.

• Fab Melo played today...for four seconds. He gave up a three point play to Gilvydas Biruta (it looked like Fab even swatted the ball into the hoop) and was immediately subbed out, waving his hand at Boeheim as he walked back to the bench.

• Is it worth repeating? Syracuse can't defend the three. Rutgers finished 9 for 23 from long range, but was 5 for 9 in the first half.

• C.J. Fair's power is in his headband. After making a layup late in the second half, Fair's headband was knocked off. He rubbed his head nervously during the ensuing possession on defense and didn't look good.

• It's ok though, Fair still finished strong with 17 points and 8 rebounds.

• Brandon Triche had a poor shooting night (3 for 15) but still managed 17 points thanks to making 9 for 9 from the free throw line.

• Syracuse as a team benefitted from charity stripe, getting 34 points off of 47 free throw attempts.

• Today's game reminded us once again that there are no gimmes in the Big East. Well, except DePaul.

The Orange have a quick turnaround now; they go to Villanova on Monday to take on the No. 14 Wildcats.

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