syracuse's big east madness

With selection Sunday upon us, it is time to begin looking towards NCAA March Madness. The conference tournaments were great previews of what is beginning to shape up as one of the maddest Marches we've had in years. Teams like North Carolina, UConn, Pittsburgh, Oklahoma, and Michigan St. were all defeated prematurely in their conference tournaments.

There were a few surprise runs in these conference tournaments. One of the most surprising runs was Syracuse's Big East tournament showing. Going through Seton Hall, UConn, and West Virginia before losing to NCAA tournament #1 seed Louisville in the Big East final. Syracuse saw seven overtimes in the four games they played on their run through the Big East tournament. The highlight of the tournament was the six overtime instant classic between Syracuse and UConn.

The game's pivotal moment was a shot at the buzzer of regulation by Eric Devendorf, which was eventually ruled no good after extensive review. His fingertip was still touching the ball as the game clock expired. Through the numerous overtimes one player showed he was up to the challenge. Syracuse sophomore point guard Jonny Flynn was named the player of the tournament.

Six foot Flynn, who grew up in Niagara in upstate New York, had 17.5 points and 6.7 assists per game during Syracuse's regular schedule. These numbers increased to 19.75 points and 9.25 assists in the four games Syracuse played in the Big East tournament. The real statement, though, was Flynn's great leadership and clutch play in all of the close games throughout the tournament. He played 181 out of 195 total minutes in the Orange's four games. He also made 22 of 26 free throw attempts, going 16-16 in the UConn marathon game.

Cuse's Big East run has culminated in a #3 seed in the big dance. They are set to face the #14 seed Lumberjacks of Stephen F. Austin. Syracuse was obviously rewarded for their play in the Big East tournament. This is the Lumberjacks' first NCAA berth after winning the Southland tournament. Syracuse began their Big East run as the 6th ranked team. They leapfrogged Marquette who was ranked 5th in the Big East tournament and received a #6 seed in the NCAA tourney. Villanova, who was the 4th ranked team in the Big East tournament, is also a #3 seed.

With so many championship week upsets and such a prolific run in their conference tournament, Jonny Flynn and the Syracuse Orange will look to bring their March Madness to the NCAA tournament version.