What more would you expect from this rivalry? You didn't expect Georgetown to just roll over did you? They're the tenth ranked team in the country for a reason. They didn't look like it for about the first 30 minutes though, as Syracuse built a 23-point lead. Georgetown was able to whittle it all the way down to a single point but Syracuse held on to win the game, 75-71.

Andy Rautins and Wesley Johnson both looked really strong early in the game. Rautins was looking for his shot much more than usual and was knocking them down or getting fouled. He hit three of four shots and had 12 points at the half.

It looked as if Johnson's swollen hand was all better last night, that is - in the first half. Johnson has been struggling recently but had 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks in the first 20 minutes against the Hoyas. But after the game Johnson's shooting hand was still bothering him and that might have contributed to his reserved second half where he took just two shots and scored 2 points.

The Orange built their lead by shooting over 50 percent from the field through the first 30 minutes while limiting the Hoyas to 25 percent. Syracuse led 60-37 with just over 12 minutes to go. But Georgetown was slowly chipping away at Syracuse and wearing them down.

Georgetown was aggressive all night. They went hard to the bucket and while it didn't convert into points at the beginning, it paid off later. Syracuse had built a lead but they had also gotten themselves into major foul trouble. It was so bad that freshman DaShonte Riley had to come in. Riley had played in just one other Big East game this season and now he has to deal with Greg Monroe? The Hoyas went right after the freshman and began their run.

With Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson in foul trouble, Georgetown was able to attack inside and Syracuse was helpless to defend. The Hoyas scored 30 points in the paint in the second half with 11 coming from Greg Monroe who also had 7 boards in the second.

Georgetown went on a 30-9 run in under 10 minutes. Syracuse made just three shots in the final 12 minutes but luckily they were great from the free throw line. They hit 27 of their 30 attempts. If they have a typical night at the line this becomes an utter disaster.

Georgetown had a couple chances to tie or take the lead on the same possession. Monroe went to the line trailing by two, 71-69. He hit the first, missed the second but he was able to grab the offensive rebound. Jason Clark had a good look at a three-pointer but couldn't knock it down. Kris Joseph converted on a layup on the other end to give Syracuse the 73-70 lead. It was one of just three buckets for Joseph who missed a bunch of layups earlier in the game. Afterwards, Boeheim said he ran the play for Joseph because he knew he was due.

Game Notes
-The win clinches a first round bye for the Orange in the Big East tournament.
-The Hoyas lost their first game when Chris Wright scores in double figures. They previously were 16-0. Wright had 12 at the half and 20 for the game.