The #2 Syracuse Orange lost their second game of the season with a 71-68 loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Big East Semifinal at Madison Square Garden. The Bearcats had four players in double figures, including Sean Kilpatrick who co-led the way with 18 points and 6 threes. Yancy Gates contributed with 18 points as well.
Dion Waiters was the most impressive player for the Orange for the second straight game, finishing with 28 points. Fab Melo was the leading starter with 11 points and 8 rebounds.
The Orange shot 40 percent and was 13-of-29 from long range, while the Bearcats shot 46 percent and made 10 three's.
The Orange had their 11 game winning streak haulted, but are now looking forward to Selection Sunday. With a 31-2 record they should still be a # 1 seed and will likely play the first and second rounds in Pittsburgh, PA.
The win over Syracuse was the seventh win over a ranked team for Cincinnati's this season, the most in the country.
