Syracuse Puts on Clinic in 97-46 Win Over Bucknell

By Gill Gross

CitrusTV Men’s Basketball Reporter

Elijah Hughes tipped a long defensive rebound up the floor, ran it down himself and fired a pass to the wing for a running Joe Girard III. The freshman gathered, released and hit the transition triple. On the ensuing defensive possession, Girard intercepted a pass near the baseline. He turned and sprinted the other way before whipping a pass to a streaking Buddy Boeheim on the opposite side. Boeheim nailed the three from the wing.

Syracuse (4-1, 0-1 Atlantic Coast) never trailed in its 97-46 win over Bucknell (2-4, 0-0 Patriot League) on Saturday in the Dome. The Orange went 14-for-29 from the three point arc, many of them came off transition offense. Boeheim led the ‘Cuse in scoring with 22 points. The sophomore was perfect on six consecutive threes after beginning 0-for-2.

“It was one of the most fun games I’ve been a part of since I began playing basketball,” Buddy said. “It’s just a lot of fun to get the Dome like that, to get the fans involved. Even when we were up by a lot we kept that same energy and kept trying to make exciting plays and be smart.”

Hughes has now scored 14 or more points in every game this season. He had eight of Syracuse’s first ten points and finished with 21 against the Bisons. Hughes also matched his season-average of five assists.

Girard III one-upped him in that category though. His six assists went with just one turnover in the latest in a string of strong performances from the point guard. Big man Bourama Sidibe just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

SU forced 23 Bucknell turnovers. The Bisons are known for their three-point shooting, but went just three-for-24.

“We’re not that good, they’re not that bad. It’s was just one of those games,” said SU head coach Jim Boeheim.

Bucknell has made the NCAA tournament two out of the last three seasons, but fall to 2-4 on the year with the loss. Syracuse is now on a four-game win streak after dropping its season-opener against Virginia. All four opponents have been mid-major programs, but a power-five opponent awaits the Orange in their next game.

The NIT Tipoff Challenge moves to neutral site play with Syracuse facing Oklahoma State at Barclays Center on Wednesday.

gngross@syr.edu | @Gill_Gross