First half surge leads Syracuse
By: John Kucko
Updated: December 23, 2011
YRACUSE, N.Y. -- Tulane was executing its game plan just as coach Ed Conroy had mapped it out. The Green Wave was within three points of top-ranked Syracuse late in the first half, and then in the blink of an eye any chance at a major upset disappeared.
James Southerland and Brandon Triche each hit a pair of 3-pointers to key a 19-point surge that included five consecutive makes from beyond the arc in the final 5:43 of the first half, and Syracuse defeated Tulane 80-61 on Thursday night to remain unbeaten.
"We executed well. We got good shots," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said. "We shared the ball, and we got three or four really good extra passes. Everyone got a 3. It was just good ball movement and getting the ball to the open man."
It's the third consecutive season Syracuse has won its first 13 games as it prepares for the start of Big East play next week. The Orange have won three straight since reaching the top spot in the rankings 10 days ago, including victories over North Carolina State and Bucknell.
On Thursday night, the Syracuse bench did what it has been doing all season, accounting for 45 points. Five players hit at least one 3-pointer in a 10-for-21 performance from beyond the arc.
"I think that's what makes us so good is that we have so many guys that can come off the bench and score the ball to make plays," said freshman guard Michael Carter-Williams, who had seven points, three assists and no turnovers in 18 minutes. "It gives the starters time to rest so they can come out strong. Not too many teams have that."
Tulane (11-2) had faced the No. 1 team in the nation twice before, losing to Cincinnati (72-59) in January 2000 and Memphis (97-71) in February 2008. The Green Wave has never defeated a top-five team and hasn't beaten a top-10 since a 49-47 victory over No. 9 Memphis in February 1983.
Dion Waiters had 15 points, Kris Joseph added 13 and Southerland 10 for the Orange.
