The Syracuse Orange will sit down to the Thanksgiving dinner table as a 3-0 team, thanks to a great defensive performance and a 73-53 win over Princeton. SU senior James Southerland scored a career high 22 points and snagged five steals along the way, including 4 steals in the span of three minutes early in the first half.
"Oh yea, I felt (the momentum) after I got a couple of steals," says Southerland, "and then I just wanted to stay active out there - I just played my game."
Michael Carter-Williams, meanwhile, contributed 10 points and nine assists.
"When I dribble in the lane, I know someone's always curling up at the top of the key," explains Carter-Williams, "I know Baye's ducking in, I know CJ's there - it's just all about our communication."
Syracuse set a new school record with its 24th straight win at the Carrier Dome, and 35th straight win at home against non-conference opponents. Syracuse had inflated numbers on defense against the Tigers, including 19 steals and 24 turnovers.
"I thought defensively we played very well," says Head Coach Jim Boeheim, "Princeton is a difficult team to play. They're very patient and they move the ball. They've got good ball handlers, good shooters. They shot well. They made some real good shots to keep in the game.
C.J. Fair added 12 points, while senior Brandon Triche and Rakeem Christmas had 10 each. Clay Wilson led the Tigers with 15 points in a losing cause.
The Orange will host Colgate next on Sunday at 1 PM.
