Syracuse Too Much for Akron

Every time Syracuse has needed a boost so far this season, Preston Shumpert has delivered. He did so again Friday night.

With the No. 20 Orangemen holding a narrow lead over Akron late in the first half, Shumpert made consecutive three-point baskets to key a 20-point run and an 81-51 victory in the first round of the Carrier Classic at Syracuse.

Shumpert finished with 25 points. He helped Syracuse (6-0) extend a 27-22 lead after the Zips (1-1) switched defenses.

“Preston broke it open when they went to the zone,” Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim said. “It was a close game right then, and he makes the two threes. Those were backbreakers.”

And they came after Boeheim whispered in his ear.

“We just needed a little push,” said Shumpert, who was averaging 24.4 points. “I hit one and made another and then we got a rebound. Taking it down past coach, he just said, ‘Take another one.’ So I went and took another one and got fouled. I think right there I sort of put the game away.”

Iowa State 94, Southern 62--The Cyclones set a school record with their 23rd consecutive home victory in the first round of the Cyclone Classic.

Freshman Jake Sullivan made five of six three-point shots, scoring 19 points to lead Iowa State (4-0). He made his first three shots to keep the Cyclones ahead through the first half and they finally took control with a 31-5 run.

They play Southern Mississippi, an 84-51 winner over Western Illinois, in tonight’s championship game.

Tulsa 65, Santa Clara 59--David Shelton scored 26 points as the Golden Hurricane (4-1) earned a berth in the championship game of the Hawkeye Challenge tournament at Ames, Iowa.

Brian Jones finished with 17 points for Santa Clara (3-3).