Local S.U. fans celebrate big win and look toward Sweet 16

By By GARY LIBERATORE

Story Created: Mar 21, 2010 at 4:40 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 21, 2010 at 6:15 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) -How did S.U. basketball fans that couldn't make it Buffalo take in Sunday's big second round game? Many packed the bar at Babe's Macaroni Bar and Grill in North Utica.

Fans are used to biting their nails and agonizing over every call of a Syracuse NCAA Tournament game, but not Sunday. Shortly after the second half started, Syracuse put Gonzaga out of reach with a 30 point lead.

Greg Cardillo of Utica explains the blowout this way. He said, "just good execution, taking their time, making the right plays and taking good shots."

Babe's manager Jason Gotthard says the games have brought in the fans for the first two games, but expects an even bigger turnout for Thursday night's game, then hopefully three more dates after that. He said, "definitely helps out business, so the better Syracuse does and the farther they advance in the tournament, the better off for us obviously."

S.U.'s Sweet 16 game is set for Thursday night in Salt Lake City against Butler University out of Indianapolis. If Syracuse were to get through Butler and the following Elite 8 game next weekend, they would then be on their way to Indianapolis for The Final Four. Good Luck S.U.!
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