Yesterday afternoon, Tennessee and Syracuse took the floor in the Maui Invitational. The two teams played a fairly competitive game, until it wasn’t.
Tennessee Basketball closed the game on a 12-0 run. Pushing their 5 point lead with 3 minutes left into a 17 point victory, 73-56.
The Orangemen of Syracuse were BOO’d off the floor from the lack of care and effort down the stretch. I mean it was ugly.
Never in my life have I seen a team give up the way Syracuse did. It was bad for the school, bad for the program, and bad for college basketball.
With hands on knees and head down, eyes on the floor, Tennessee continues to drop dunk contest worthy alley oops on Syracuse. Looking almost in shock themselves at the lack of defense being played in the last minute.
Tennessee Basketball Chokes Syracuse
Syracuse could not make a free throw all night. Yet still managed to get an 8 point lead late in the first half. Even shooting the ball horribly from deep and being out rebounded by 15, the Orangemen still had a chance.
Only down 5 points with three minutes left, a little over to be exact, Syracuse switch the offensive game plan to the streets. Playing one on five ball the remainder of the game and not scoring a single basket.
As they shot brick after brick, Tennessee took advantage. With every brick, the defense of Syracuse would get slower to get back and miss defensive rotations like they were paid to throw the game. (a bad joke, not a real allegation)
The BOO’s were heard loud on television and felt in the heart of all Orange fans. That showing down the stretch was pathetic.
Two players for Tennessee dropped double-doubles. Jonas Aidoo scored 14 points and grabbed 11 boards. Josiah-Jordan James one up’d him with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Dalton Knecht added in 17 points, 3 assist, and 4 rebounds of his own.
Rowan Donaghey, Sports Reporter and Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can follow him on the X via @RowanDonaghey
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