Devendorf, Rautins Lead Orange Past Sun Devils 78-67

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under Slam Dunk NCAA

Syracuse Orange guard Eric Devendorf

Syracuse Orange guard Jonny Flynn was getting the lion’s share of attention from the Arizona State defenders in Sunday’s game at Miami. Not a wise move as it would turn out since Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins would hit key 2-pointers late in the second half, advancing Syracuse to the Sweet 16 by bouncing Arizona State 78-67.

Down by as many as 15 and still trailing by twelve with 10:19 left in the second half, the Sun Devils would come to life as they manufactured a 10-2 run over the next four minutes, capped by a Ty Abbott 3-pointer. That offensive explosion enabled Arizona State to get to within 61-57. After a timeout, Devendorf would drain a 3-pointer and Syracuse would soon sport a 70-59 lead and Arizona State would not get close again.

Syracuse’s high scorer was Devendorf with 21 points (including five 3-pointers), 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while Rautins added 17 (including three treys) with 4 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal. Arizona State was led by Rihards Kuksiks and Abbott with 20 points each – with Kuksis making six 3-pointers, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists along with a steal while Abbott hit six treys, grabbed 2 rebounds along with a block. Syracuse plays again on Friday in Memphis when they face Oklahoma.

Updates, Fresh From the Oven, Straight to Your Inbox