Andy Rautins News

As many recall from last year, there was an abundance of talented teams in the Big East.

SYRACUSE -- Timing typically assists a mid-major program when tasked with playing on a high major's home court.

Recognized as one of the hottest teams in the nation early on, the 10th-ranked Syracuse Orange take on their second straight Ancient Eight opponent tonight as they entertain the Columbia Lions in the Carrier Dome.

When the Orange lost to Division II Le Moyne College, many Syracuse fans saw that as a preview for the upcoming season.

North Carolina will be packing its bags the week before Thanksgiving next season, too.

Once John Wall gained his footing, not even a warped court could slow down Kentucky.

Syracuse's Andy Rautins screams after hitting a three pointer in the first half og the Orange's game against Cornell.

California's Jerome Randle celebrates a score as he runs upcourt during the first half of the 2K Sports Classic on November 11 in Berkeley, Calif.

Syracuse looked solid defeating a young, defending national champion North Carolina team 87-71, capturing the 2K Classic Championship at the "World's Most Famous Arena" Friday night.

The 13th-ranked California Golden Bears have made the long trek to New York's famed Madison Square Garden for a matchup with the Syracuse Orange in the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs.

There are two tattoos on the left bicep of Syracuse point guard Scoop Jardine . One is a basketball falling through a hoop.

Jim Boeheim has always made a point of telling the media not to get too caught up in runs because basketball, especially on the college level, is a game of runs.

If Gerry likes it, you know it's good. Syracuse was the 24th ranked team taking on #13 California.

Syracuse's Scoop Jardine goes in for a layup over Cal's Jerome Randle in the second half of the Orange's game against California at Madison Square Garden.

With this year's Syracuse University basketball team, you can't expect much but the fluctuating unexpected.

Syracuse students agree: In theory, this is another easy win. Syracuse, fresh off the epic pressure of getting Jim Boeheim his 800th victory as a basketball coach, turns right around on a daya s rest to take on Robert Morris, a team that Syracuse beat in the post-season NIT Tournament in 2008.

You can't see past them. You can't get around them. You can't shoot over them. "Them," of course, refers to the Syracuse Orange defense that has smothered its first two opponents into submission.

Congratulations on 800 wins Jimmy! James Arthur Boeheim did something that few coaches have done.

The roster turnover at North Carolina and Syracuse has radically changed the way the Tar Heels and the Orange operate on the hardwood.

Download the printer-friendly version of the Orange Scouting Report for more pregame analysis, including team stats, schedules, and a peek at the opponent's playbook.