3 things we learned at TD Garden Thursday night:
No quit
Syracuse has been faced with just about everything from early November to these last few days of March. There was the Bernie Fine scandal, the win that wasn’t really a win against West Virginia, the suspension of Fab Melo just hours before the start of the NCAA tournament and the win that was barely a win against UNC-Asheville a week ago.
But Jim Boeheim’s squad has somehow been able to keep its focus.
Under pressure
Wisconsin had plenty of time to get off a good shot against Syracuse in the final seconds of Thursday’s opener. But with Syracuse’s zone extending more than it typically extends, Jordan Taylor had to rush a last second heave from NBA range that was highly contested. It fell short.
Bo Ryan was livid throughout the final five minutes as his Badgers fell victim to more than a few questionable calls. But Wisconsin hurt itself as well.
Jared Berggren tried to check into the game for the Badgers with 15.5 seconds left but Wisconsin had already inbounded the ball. Ryan also had a timeout to spare.
Unfortunately for Wisconsin, there are no re-dos in the NCAAs.
Syracuse just kept playing and Boeheim maintained his typical sense of calm. It’s largely the reason that ‘Cuse will be playing here in Boston Saturday night.
Pro Players
Jared Sullinger looks bigger and better than his NCAA counterparts up close. In truth, he is.
Sullinger shredded Cincy in the late game Thursday night as he posted 23 points and 11 rebounds in helping the Buckeyes to the Elite Eight.
Future NBA draft pick Dion Waiters had 13 points in Syracuse’s win earlier in the evening.
Ohio State will meet the Orange Saturday night at TD Garden at 7:05 p.m.. (CBS).
