Orange Fall to Bucknell in the Dome

Last year, Bucknell won games at St Joseph's and Pittsburgh and went to the NCAA Tournament where they knocked of Kansas in round #1 at Oklahoma City. All five starters from that team return to the line-up this year, making the Bison "not your average Patriot League team."

Syracuse and its fans found that out firsthand last night at the Carrier Dome as Bucknell beat the Orange 74-69.

Once again, Syracuse got a sub-par shooting performance from Gerry McNamara (6-19), who was hounded by Abe Badmus, Last seasons Patriot League defensive POY, and next to nothing from Daryl Watkins (6 pts 3 rebounds 0 blocks in 34 min). Demetris Nichols led the Orange with 19 pts and McNamara managed 18 (with 5 turnovers). Terrence Roberts added a double-double with 12 pts and 11 rebounds, but he had 10 and 10 at the half. I figured SU would struggle, coming off the emotional game against Florida and it was a classic set-up game with a charged-up, something to prive Bucknell team, but, some of the plusses we had hoped to see from SU have been very slow to come to the forefront.

However, it is still early and there is a lot of talent on this team. Mike Waters of the Post-Standard has the game story: Bucknell 74 SU 69. In Waters' game notes (linked in the Abe Badmus story above), it was noted that SU gaurd Louie McCroskey was benched for the entire second half by Jim Boeheim.

Bucknell shot 14-17 from the field in the 2nd half and salted the game away (no pun intended for Salt City!)by hitting 16-19 from the line in the second half. SU saw a 4-pt lead evaporate in the last 4 minutes with a 13-2 Bison run that gave them a 7-pt lead with just over a minute to go.

The Scranton Times-Tribune has another game story, showing that Bucknell Has Been There, Done That Before.

Tom Housenick also covered the game for the Daily Item: Bucknell Pulls off Another Shocker.

The Williamsport Sun-Gazette also has the story: Bucknell Upsets #17 SU.