Going into tonight's game between the Syracuse Orange and Butler Bulldogs, everyone was wondering how Butler could shoot over the 2-3 zone of Syracuse. Turns out turnovers plagued Syracuse and Butler took full advantage and won 63-59.
The turnover game started early for Syracuse as they turn the ball over six times within the first nine minutes of the game and found themselves behind 12-1. The first half would remain the same as Syracuse would be behind mostly by 10 points. The half ended with a thunderous dunk by Rick Jackson.
The second half saw Syracuse slowly chip away on Butler's 10 point lead. Syracuse ended up getting their first lead 40-39 with 13:27 left. Butler would regain the lead and lead by as many as eight but Syracuse put another run together to regain the lead. Syracuse would lead by four with 3:36 remaining. From then on Butler would end up putting the game away as Syracuse continued to turn the ball over. Gordon Haywood would sink 3 of his 4 free-throws to give Butler the victory.
Syracuse looked sloppy to say the least. Butler's man to man defense confused the Orange all-night and never really found an answer for it. Butler had an answer for Syracuse's vaunted 2-3 zone; Pass, Pass, and Pass the ball around the horn until someone dribbles in the middle passes out to a wide-open look. This and Syracuse's 18...yes 18...turnovers helped the Bulldogs to victory.
The leading scorers for Butler were Gordon Haywood with 17 pts, Shelvin Mack 14 pts, and Willie Veasley 13 pts.
Syracuse leading scorers were Wes Johnson, 17pts, and Andy Rautins, 15 pts.
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