Syracuse, New York
Syracuse University

November 30, 2003

Day trip to watch Syracuse University vs Rhode Island. The students were still away on Thanksgiving vacation, so Jill and I were able to sit in the lower level behind the basket.

Syracuse 69 Rhode Island 65

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Junior Hakim Warrick netted a career-high 30 points, including a school-record 18 free-throws, as Syracuse picked up its first win of the campaign, a 69-65 decision versus Rhode Island on Nov. 30.

Warrick connected on 18-of-22 shots from the charity stripe, tying the program marks for free throws made and attempted in a contest set by current Orange staff member Allen Griffin against St. John's in 2001.

SU's defense, which allowed 13 three-point baskets against Charlotte in the season-opener, held the Rams to just one trifecta in 22 attempts. It marked the lowest opponent three-point total since the Orange held Villanova to one three-pointer on February 23, 2000. The Orange defense also forced 14 turnovers.

The #7/7 Orangemen (1-1) took their first lead of the contest, 37-36, on a field goal by sophomore Billy Edelin at the 18:56 mark of the second half. With the score 49-48 SU used a 14-4 run to build a 10-point advantage, 62-52, with 3:02 remaining. Warrick had seven points during the stretch.

Trailing by seven with 1:44 left Rhode Island (3-2) got back into the game. Dustin Hellenga drilled the Ram’s only three of the game and Dawan Robinson made a steal on the ensuing possession and dunked the ball cut the lead to 65-61 with 1:29 left in regulation. Sophomore Gerry McNamara hit three-of-four free throws down the stretch to preserve the win.

Warrick grabbed nine rebounds to go with his 30 points. He also tied his career-best with four assists. Edelin was the only other Orangemen in double figures with 16 points. Junior center Craig Forth recorded five blocks in the contest, two shy of his personal-best of seven set against Colgate in 2001.

The Rams held a 55-41 advantage in the rebound column. Rhode Island's 55 boards broke the previous record for rebounds by an SU opponent in the Carrier Dome by two. Kent State grabbed 53 caroms on December 5, 1980 and Miami equaled the mark in 1995.

Hellenga led Rhode Island with 16 points, while Terrence Mack added 10. Dawan Robinson, who entered the game as the team’s leading scorer at 15.5 points-per-game was held to eight points in 31 minutes.

All three of Syracuse’s freshman recorded their first collegiate points in the victory. Demetris Nichols drilled SU’s only three of game in the first half, while Terrence Roberts scored four points on a field goal and two free throws. Darryl Watkins got into the scoring column with a free-throw in the opening frame.

Syracuse will play St. Bonaventure on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, N.Y.

Total Mileage: 146 Miles

Total Miles Travelled:
139,891 Miles!

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