March Mayhem in Manhattan, Syracuse outlasts UCONN 127-117 in 6OTs

MANHATTAN, New York- Basketball is a game that takes heart, stamina, courage and a never say die desire to win. The Syracuse Orangemen called upon every ounce of their heart, stamina and courage to win an epic six overtime Big East quarterfinal marathon game against the University of Connecticut (UCONN) Huskies 127-117 on the floor where basketball legends are made Madison Square Garden. This game was seriously one for the ages. From the brilliant last second shot Syracuse's Eric Devendorf to win that was overturned after further review at the end of regulation to the heroic come from behind efforts over and over in the overtime sessions by the Orangemen to stay in contention and extend the contest without ever leading in the first five overtimes.

"I have never been prouder of a team than I am tonight," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said. "They just kept fighting, ... hanging in there and toughing it out and fighting." (AP)

Tonight's contest was longest game in Big East history and the second longest in NCAA history. Only the 1981 seven overtime clash of Bradley and Cincinnati was longer but those teams were only able to muster a 75-73 finish. The game started at 9:36pm ET and didn't end until 1:22 am ET lasting a whopping 70 minutes and at times appeared it would be never ending.

As the teams racked up the extra sessions the head coaches saw both of their benches empty as the starters were eliminated because of fouls. One player who exemplified the heart of a champion was Syracuse sophomore guard Jonny Flynn. Flynn played 67 minutes, scored 34 points and served up 10 assists. More importantly, when his team needed him most in the final seconds of the sixth overtime he was on the floor and made clutch free throws to secure the win. The ever confident Flynn said he kept telling his teammates, "This is destined for us. I told them, `We played this long, all we can do is win this game.'" (AP) Remarkably they were able to triumph but, at what cost?

After a contest like this it is hard to say that there is a real winner or loser both teams played like it was their last. Syracuse will continue to play in the Big East tournament but what will they really have left. Thankfully they play another 9pm ET start later tonight but they face a well rested and hungry West Virgina squad that upset #2 Pittsburgh 74-60 earlier Thursday night.

The Huskies' though losers of the historic game, will get a chance to fully recharge before the NCAA tournament begins but they have some serious questions to be answered.