by David Cassilo / @dcassilo
With the Bernie Fine rumors still swirling around campus, No. 4 Syracuse welcomed the distraction of a top-10 battle against No. 10 Florida. The Orange showed that the off-the-court issues weren’t affecting them, as it knocked off the Gators, 72-68.
Florida might have one of the best backcourts in the country with Kenny Boynton, Erving Walker, Mike Rosario and Bradley Beal, but on Friday night the tandem of Brandon Triche and Scoop Jardine was on full display. The two players combined for 36 points and 10 assists, while the Florida foursome finished with 48 points and 9 assists.
But while the win was enough to justify Syracuse’s top-5 ranking, the story after the game was still the Fine allegations. Head Coach Jim Boeheim once again apologized for his initial response to the reports after the game.
From Syracuse.com:
“I believe I misspoke very badly in my response to the allegations that have been made,” Boeheim said. “I shouldn’t have questioned what the accusers expressed or their motives. I am really sorry that I did that, and I regret any harm that I caused. It was insensitive to the individuals involved and especially to the overall issue of child abuse.”
“I’m sorry.”
While the team will be unable to avoid the situation anytime soon, it’s hard to ignore what they’re doing on the court as well. Now 8-0, the Orange could hit conference play undefeated as it is set to face all unranked teams before the Big East schedule begins.
