NEW YORK – There was no way it could be any different. Everything came together just right for Georgetown and Syracuse to play each other one last time as Big East members. The only way this game could go was to be a thriller; there was no other option.
It was a close game almost throughout, as Syracuse had a 12-point lead for a short period, and then overtime was a possibility – and it came. It was the first overtime game in the Big East Tournament between these two in more than 27 years. A second overtime looked like a possibility, but it wasn’t meant to be as Syracuse closed out Georgetown 58-55.
In the greatest rivalry in the Big East, it all made sense. A second overtime, and perhaps more, would have only added to it – but this was fitting enough, in the last Big East Tournament as we know it. It was in The World’s Most Famous Arena with a packed house and the atmosphere of a big-time game, as it should.
“Is it fitting that it went to overtime? Yeah, I think it is,” said Georgetown head coach John Thompson III.
Syracuse out-played Georgetown most of the game, but never put the Hoyas away. Even though at times it seemed like Syracuse had a bigger lead than they did, it was close. Next thing you know, we had overtime as Georgetown rallied. In overtime, it was all Syracuse for the first four minutes, but the Hoyas were still only four points down. They could still get right back within a possession, even if they hadn’t played in a way suggesting they might have another rally in them.
But when Syracuse couldn’t close it out right away at the foul line – they were 1-6 in overtime on free throws – Georgetown had one last chance. The way things had gone, you had to think somehow Georgetown would hit a three-poiner to tie it for five more minutes. But a heave from halfcourt by Jabril Trawick, who originally tied the game at 49 in regulation before each team scored two more, was long and a little wide, and that was that.
In 14 all-time meetings in the Big East Tournament, the teams finished with seven wins apiece. Again, only fitting. It may be the final meeting between these two schools for a while, and even if they play again it won’t be the same. They will only play once in a season and there won’t be conference standings at stake.
“It’s a shame that they’re heading down to Tobacco Road for a few dollars more,” said Thompson. “This is a rivalry that meant a lot to our program and to their program and to this conference.”
Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim was asked why he would walk away from all of this, and reminded anyone who forgot that basketball doesn’t have a say in this, which is what stinks most of all. Rivalries like this one are going away and there’s nothing anyone in basketball can do about it.
“It’s got nothing to do with basketball, you know that,” said Boeheim. “This is just to do with football. You know that. It’s just where everything is going. Just wait a few more years. Everything will be gone.”
Everything that is the essence of what is wonderful about college basketball, that is. It was on display Friday night, and because it’s going away we had to appreciate it, enjoy it for what it was.
Syracuse had frustrated Georgetown all game, not letting the Hoyas get the ball near the basket. The Hoyas moved the ball well at times, but still lived by jumpers as they didn’t attack the zone as well as they did before. It showed as they shot below 38 percent on the evening. Meanwhile, the Orange looked like they were continuing their offensive renaissance, and every time Georgetown tried to charge back, the Orange had an answer before the Hoyas got much of a run going.
But as one can expect, the Hoyas had something left. They’re a good team, and so is Syracuse, but this meant a lot to all of the players and coaches. It was a great rivalry with one last meeting, and a trip to the Big East championship game was on the line, and that meant something as well.
“Anybody from Georgetown will tell you that they don’t like them,” said Georgetown forward Otto Porter, Jr. “It’s the best rivalry in college basketball. They’re going to let you know right away.”
Markel Starks, who fouled out in the extra session, knew how good the atmosphere was. But being on the losing end naturally takes a little away from the feeling of it.
“It was an excellent game,” said the junior guard. “Both teams were playing hard. All the players that played, played hard. The fans were into it. I don’t want to take away from Syracuse’s victory, but at the same time, it hurts.”
All week long there’s been an air of nostalgia in Madison Square Garden. It’s no secret that future Big East Tournaments won’t be the same, even though the name and many of the schools will live on together. Fortunately, Georgetown and Syracuse gave us one last parting gift in their rivalry, and it was a game befitting the reputation the rivalry has.
