USIU Puts Itself in Danger Zone, Loses by 42 at 3rd-Ranked Syracuse

U.S. International University might have made its biggest mistake before its game against third-ranked Syracuse even started. The Gulls decided to use a zone defense against the high-scoring Orangemen, who were averaging 101.5 points per game.

“It’s the kind of situation I like,” Syracuse guard Matt Roe said. “It was the first zone we saw in a while, and I had the shot. It was a welcome sight,”

Roe tied his school record by hitting 6 of 7 3-pointers as Syracuse (9-0) overwhelmed USIU, 135-93, before 24,817 at the Carrier Dome Wednesday night.

Paul Wilson scored 30 points for USIU (3-6), which has lost four in a row. The Gulls are allowing 94 points a game a third of the way through the season and are 1-6 on a 10-game trip after opening the season with two victories at home.

The 135 points allowed to Syracuse is third on the USIU all-time list. The Gulls allowed 151 points to Loyola Marymount and 138 to San Diego State in 1986.

Syracuse led, 70-48, at the half, a school record for points in the first half. The previous record of 69 was set against Siena in 1979.

The 135 points was a record for the Carrier Dome, Syracuse’s home floor since the 1980-81 season. The school record is 144 points against Siena in 1979.

Roe matched the record he set last season against Texas San Antonio. The Orangemen hit 10 3-pointers to surpass the team mark of six set against Texas San Antonio. USIU was 11 of 35 from 3-point range, and Syracuse was 10 of 19.

“Defensively, it was there,” Syracuse guard Sherman Douglas said. “Matt started hitting 3-pointers, and it ignited everybody.”

Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim said he expected that kind of shooting from Roe against any team willing to throw a zone at the Orangemen.

“He’s been shooting well all year, except our first game,” Boeheim said. “If he gets time over there, he’ll put the ball in on most nights.”

Roe, who scored 22 points in the first half, hit three 3-pointers as Syracuse opened a 23-5 lead.

USIU continues its trip at the Dartmouth tournament Friday and Saturday. The Gulls finish the trip at Coppin State Monday before returning home to play Montana on Dec. 28 in the first of a 5-game homestand--its longest of the season.