Syracuse takes down Georgia Tech 90-61 on senior day

By Seth Quam SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Graduate student Andrew White III stole the show on senior day, pouring in a career-high 40 points and shooting 8 of 9 from behind the arc, as Syracuse went on to a decisive 90-61 win over Georgia Tech to close out the regular season. White III shot 12 of 16 from the field in his final regular season game at home.

Syracuse came out storming early in the Dome and rocketing out to a quick 10-2 lead. Quick ball movement led to a flurry of open threes and the Orange converted on the first four from behind the arc. Tyus Battle got things going for the Orange, hitting 3 threes in the first five minutes. Georgia Tech was slow to get going offensively; it took until the 10:29 mark in the first half for someone other that Josh Okogie to score for the Yellow Jackets. After scoring on the first possession, Syracuse retained the lead for the entire game.

Early in the second half, Georgia Tech came out firing and a few missed shots by Syracuse cut the SU lead the just three. A couple hits from behind the line by Andrew White III helped to weather the storm, and the Orange quickly pushed its lead back to seven.

After a few calls that went Georgia Tech’s way, including an attempted block by Tyus Battle that was called as a foul, the Yellow Jackets were back within five. Tyler Lydon and Andrew White III answered back with a trio of three pointers to regain the momentum and push the lead back into double digits. That’s when White caught fire from downtown. He hit 4 threes in four minutes, and was fouled on his fifth shot from downtown in that span.

The Orange continued to extend its lead late in the second half thanks to a few timely buckets by John Gillon and several Yellow Jacket turnovers.

The crowd’s chants of “We Want Coleman” were finally answered with three minutes left in the game when the graduate student checked into his last home contest. Senior Tyler Roberson also saw some playing time, notching 4 points 3 rebounds in the win.

Head Coach Jim Boeheim lauded Roberson and Coleman for their contributions to the team during their career and their work ethic after the game.

“Tyler and DaJuan have done everything they could to compete and get better,” he said.

Additionally, senior Doyin Akintobi-Adeyeye checked in in the closing minutes and scored a layup. After the game, Boeheim praised him noting his immense improvement since walking on to the team in his sophomore year.

The victory puts the Orange in a much more comfortable position heading into the ACC tournament, especially after starting 3-4 in conference play. Finishing 10-8, Syracuse is locked into the 8th seed in the ACC tournament and will take on Miami on Wednesday, March 8th.