Syracuse had to use overtime to defeat Rutgers University 84-80 at the Carrier Dome on Saturday.
The Orange seemed to have the game in hand, but midway through the fourth quarter, Rutgers took a 66 – 64 lead on a 10 – 0 run.
Rutgers kept the pressure up and had a one point lead with 24 seconds left.
Syracuse’s Rick Jackson was fouled with 9.9 seconds left.
Jackson missed the first, but made the second to tie the game.
Rutgers James Beatty nearly made a 3 pointer at the buzzer, the shot hit the rim and bounced away.
IN OT, Syracuse put together a 8 – 1 run, which again put the Orange in charge.
9 of Syracuse’s 14 overtime points came at the free throw line.
Syracuse now has a record of 22 wins and 6 losses; they are 9-6 in the Big East Conference.
Kris Joseph led Syracuse with 21 points.
Rick Jackson had 18 points.
This was The Orange’s first OT game of the season.
Syracuse will play at Villanova on Monday.
