SYRACUSE 'ZONED' IN EARLY, MOVES TO 2-0 ON SEASON

It is safe to say that Syracuse got the message from coach Jim Boehiem to improve their defense in the wake of their exhibition loss to LeMoyne. It is also safe to say the loss to LeMoyne has been placed well into the rear-view mirror as Robert Morris is No Match for Syracuse (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) in the Dome last night. The Orange move to 2-0 on the season with their 100-60 win over RMU.

In their opening wins against Robert Morris and Albany (Monday), SU has forced 60 turnovers and held opponents to just 51.5 points a game as the Orange Zone Defense is Creating Havoc (Syracuse Post-Standard) on their early season opponents.

While Albany and RMU are definitely low-major programs, both are well coached teams that some expected to test the Orange early on. That was not the case in either game and on Wednesday SU got their offense cranking very early, thanks in a large part to Andy Rautins, who rebounded from an 0-fer fromt he field in the opener and an ankle injury to light up the zone scoreboard from beyond the arc, connecting on seven of 10 three-pointers, and scoring 22 points in 20 minutes. There was question if Rautins would even play after attending Tuesday's practice in a walking boot, but Rautins Led Syracuse to Victory Despite Injured Ankle (Post-Standard) as Jim Boehiem earned career witn #801.

For the second consecutive game, five Orange players reached double figures in scoring with Wes Johnson scoring 15 and Arinze Onuaku made seven of eight field goal attempts in scoring 14. Freshman point guard Brandon Triche had 12 points and 7 assists as SU shot 58% from the field in the contest.

Next up for the Orange is a trip to Madison Square Garden for a Coaches versus Cancer semifinal match-up with 13th ranked Cal. North Carolina and Ohio State represent the other side of the bracket in a very anticipated gathering of top teams early this season.

You can check the action live...below is a link to great seats available at MSG for next week's action:

Coaches vs. Cancer Classic Tickets - Semifinals (Syracuse vs. Cal; North Carolina vs. Ohio State) November 19 2009