Story Created:
Jan 17, 2012 at 3:21 AM EDT
Story Updated:
Jan 17, 2012 at 7:29 PM EDT
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WKTV) - Monday's Syracuse win over Pitt was historic, because it broke a six game skid for the Orange against the Panthers and it also set a new school record for wins to start a season, with 20.
"We beat 'em now baby, that's the biggest thing," said sophomore guard Dion Waiters, who had a game high 16 points in the win. "We got 'em. It feels good. Everybody's happy, coach is happy. It's just a great feeling right now. I'm just going to soak everything up."
"Against Pitt it feels a little bit sweeter," added Brandon Triche, who had 12 points on 3-of-5 shooting and 6-of-7 free throws. To be 20-and-0 is remarkable. For us, we're excited, but we still have the ultimate goal in the back of our heads."
The Orange pulled off the win because they hit key shots down the stretch and were more effective from the free throw line. SU was 20-of-23 (87%), while Pitt was just 12-of-23 (52%).
Plus, Scoop Jardine, Syracuse's starting point guard, had another big game, scoring 12 points, but also dishing out 10 assists.
"I usually have fun out there, but tonight I'm showing it more because this is what it is," said Jardine after the win. "Basketball is fun, it's a fun sport and it's something I love to do, but it's also fun and we get caught up in the other stuff, so it's been fun and I'm going to show it more."
Critics of the Cuse have pointed to the team's lack of a go to scorer, the way Carmelo Anthony was for the 2003 title team. But Jardine at the very least has become the team's emotional leader, if not always the statistical one.
"He is the leader of this team, the only vocal leader," said head coach Jim Boeheim. "He's a guy that will make plays, he's not afraid to make plays and he can make plays, good plays. When he shoots the ball good he's one of the best point guards in the league."
The Orange played in front of 24,826 rabid fans against Pitt, including the full student section who returned to campus after the semester break. But now they must hit the road for two Big East games, the first this Saturday at Notre Dame, followed by next Monday at Cincinnati, before coming back home for a January 28th showdown at the Dome with West Virginia.
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