While the loss to Georgetown on Saturday was frustrating because the Syracuse Orange just could never get going, the loss to Marquette on Monday was equally as tough to watch.
But for a different reason.
In this game Syracuse was able to get going, owning a double digit lead in the first half and a 7 point lead at 53-46 with under 8 minutes to play in the game.
Both times though, Marquette stormed back and was able to forge a 74-71 victory over the Orange at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.
When trailing 53-46 Marquette used a 15-2 run to capture a 61-55 lead that it never relinquished.
Syracuse had no answer for Devante Gardner, the hefty forward for the Golden Eagles scored 26 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.
Syracuse trailed 63-57 late and was able to get within two points after four three pointers, but by then, time had run out.
With the loss, Syracuse falls to 22-6 overall with a 10-5 mark in conference play. While the Orange does have three games remaining (vs. Louisville, vs. DePaul, and at Georgetown) it does hurt the Orange in its quest for the all important "double bye" that's given to the top four seeds in the Big East Tournament.
C.J. Fair led Syracuse with 20 points and 8 rebounds. James Southerland scored 15. Baye Moussa Keita played very well, scoring 7 points and snagging 8 rebounds.
Syracuse has dropped back to back games for the second time this year, and looks to rebound against a dangerous Louisville team in the Carrier Dome this Saturday at noon.
