Saturday night’s rematch of one of the best games of the college basketball season between the Syracuse Orange and Duke Blue Devils lost a bit of its luster with both teams coming off losses, but this was still a big game and every bit as exciting as the first.
With Syracuse trailing by two and 10.4 seconds remaining on the clock, Orange forward C.J. Fair was whistled for a questionable charging call.
Which resulted in Jim Boeheim being ejected after receiving a double technical and Duke being awarded four technical foul shots, three were made, and the ball.
The charging call and subsequent technical fouls effectively ended the game as Duke took a 63-58 lead with 10.4 remaining with possession. Duke would run out the clock after a few free throws and handed Syracuse their second straight loss in the 66-60 thriller.
The first 20 minutes was a tight affair as the two went to the break even at 26 with Duke never holding a lead in the first half, but the second half saw the Blue Devils take control with Jabari Parker asserting himself on offense and on the glass.
Parker had a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds, including going 3-3 from beyond the arc.
Orange point guard Tyler Ennis was unable to find his shot all night long going 2-13 from the field and finished with nine points. Fair had 12 and Jeremi Grant led Syracuse with 17 points.
Duke didn’t lead at all in the first half, but led for practically the entire second half and following a three by Parker on their second possession in the half appeared to be in complete control as they handed the Orange their second straight loss.
Next up for Duke is a Feb. 25 home game vs. the Virginia Tech Hokies who are in last place in the ACC while Syracuse is at Maryland on Monday.