St. John’s Tops Syracuse In Empire Classic

Syracuse (3-2) lost to St. John’s (6-0), 76-69, in overtime at the Empire Classic Championship inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Tuesday night. The overtime battle marked the first time since the 2008-09 Big East Tournament that the Orange have played back-to-back OT contests.
 
Four Orange logged 11 or more points in the loss. Freshman guard Judah Mintz led the charge by matching his previous personal best with 20 points. Senior center Jesse Edwards locked in 18 points, freshman forward Chris Bell contributed a career-best 12 points, and sophomore forward Benny Williams contributed a double-double with 11 points and career-high 11 boards.

WHEN THE GAME WAS DECIDED

With the matchup tied 65-all, St. John’s outscored Syracuse, 9-4. The Red Storm’s points were composed of five points from David Jones, two free throws from Joel Soriano, and a layup from Andre Curbelo. Ultimately securing the loss for the Orange, despite two makes at the line from Edwards.

 

MIDWAY BREAKAWAY

Midway through the first half of action, the Orange pieced together a 9-0 stretch. Benny Williams started the run with a jumper and three-ball combo. Judah Mintz contributed three points with two makes at the charity stripe and a dunk, making it a 19-8 game with 11:19 left to play.

 

With six seconds left before the break, Mintz made a layup and a foul from Joel Soriano of the Red Storm let the guard complete the three-point play at the charity stripe. Syracuse entered the half with a 35-29 edge over St. John’s.

GAME OF…