The Syracuse Orange defeated the Marquette Golden Eagles in a game that featured ugly shooting and highlighted by defensive efforts from both teams. Syracuse, however, had the better defense and team effort as they shut down Marquette to advance to the 2013 Final Four at the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
With President Barack Obama present at the game, Syracuse was able to muscle through this game as their defense was able to create enough disruptions to keep them in the lead despite going through shooting woes. They finished the game with seven blocks.
James Southerland had 16 points and C.J. Fair added 13 points in this victory as they led the team in scoring. Michael Carter-Williams grabbed 10 rebounds as he found himself under the basket for a good chunk of the game and finished with a double-double after scoring 12 points.
Syracuse took an early lead as Marquette had trouble figuring out their zone defense. This led to eight turnovers and a horrible shooting performance in the first half. Marquette wrapped up the first 20 minutes with just 7-26 shooting for an inefficient 26.9 percentage. They couldn't get the ball into the paint and break the Syracuse defense while simultaneously missing open threes going 1-9 from beyond the arc.
However, with just over five minutes left in the first half, down 21-10, Devante Gardner became a crucial part of the Marquette offense as he played a role in seven consecutive points as they trimmed the lead down to a 21-18 deficit. Gardner would stand at the top of the key and either knock down the open shot or find the open player.
Syracuse went on a cold spell at the conclusion of the first half, but they remained on top 24-18 as Sunderland hit a huge three-pointer. It was a victory for Marquette who was able to cut a double-digit deficit down to just six points at the start of the second half.
Things weren't much better in the second period as the score remained 25-21 for a good portion of the opening minutes. Syracuse was able to inch away, turning a four-point lead into an 11-point lead. Again, they didn't have the best shooting night, but they held to Marquette under 25 percent shooting.
Vander Blue had a below average game, missing shots badly which eventually led to fastbreak points for Syracuse. He finished this game 3-13 with 14 points.
Now, as Syracuse is the first team to advance to the 2013 Final Four, they will await an opponent between the Florida Gators or the Michigan Wolverines.
