Syracuse ends skid with Senior Day victory over Wake Forest

Carmelo Anthony and the rest of the 2003 team address the crowd during halftime celebration. (Photo by Laddie Springer)

A certain buzz filled the JMA Wireless Dome this past Saturday in Syracuse’s final home game of the regular season as the Orange welcomed Wake Forest on Senior Day. The fanfare would continue after the contest as Syracuse when two members from the 2003 championship team, Gerry McNamara and Hakim Warrick, would receive one of the highest honors in sports: getting their jerseys retired. After a night of honoring the 2003 national championship team at the National Veterans Resource Center the night before, a game was still on the docket between the Orange and the Demon Deacons. Syracuse was looking to put an end to their four-game skid.

Coach Jim Boeheim and Joe Girard III share a hug during the Senior Day celebration. (Photo by Laddie Springer)

It was evident that the previously mentioned “buzz” carried over from the night before, as the Orange got off to a hot start. What stood out the most for Syracuse in the early goings of the contest was their defense. Players like Benny Williams and Jesse Edwards were making their presence known early down low near the baseline. Then, on the opposite side of the ball, Judah Mintz showcased his raw, natural skill by crossing up a few Demon Deacons along the way while drawing fouls and scoring points by driving to the rim. Wake Forest started the game going 1-for-12 from behind the arc, allowing Syracuse to generate early momentum in the form of two of their seniors, Joe Girard III and Jesse Edwards, linking up on multiple scoring plays. However, when you have the ACC’s leading scorer in Tyree Appleby, you’re never truly out of the contest, as his game began to pick up. The Orange took a 39-29 lead into the break, with their freshman point guard Mintz leading the way with 13 first half points.

Judah Mintz facilitating the Orange offense. (Photo by Laddie Springer)

After Coach Boeheim, Melo and the rest of the 2003 championship team was honored, the game resumed with Wake Forest hitting five consecutive triples. An integral part of the Demon Deacons offense was the conference’s leading scorer, Tyree Appleby. The graduate transfer from the University of Florida ended with 21 points to his name, however it was “The Flying Dutchman” who made his presence known. The Girard-Edwards connection was on display as Jesse ended with 27 points and 20 rebounds while going 11-from-15 from the field. With the dominant play from their seniors, Syracuse ended their losing streak with a 72-63 victory over Steve Forbes’ squad.

The ACC’s leading scorer, Tyree Appleby, attempting a three pointer over Judah Mintz. (Photo by Laddie Springer)

The two starting seniors were clicking from beginning to end. Girard III was asked about what was working between him and Edwards.

“Jesse was moving well, getting to his spot,” Girard III said. “I just found him and we know what he’s going to do with it when he’s around the basket.”

Jesse Edwards and Joe Girard III celebrate a play in their final home game at the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo by Laddie Springer)

The Orange will head to Greensboro as the #8 seed in the 2023 ACC Tournament where they will meet the #9 seed in, you guessed it, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Tipoff is scheduled for noon on Wednesday.