Syracuse Vs Louisville Upset Secures Louisville Tourney Bid

Syracuse vs Louisvile was a big game at Freedom Hall. But Syracuse vs Louisville was only really do-or-die for the home team. The Cardinals have gone back and fourth on the NCAA tournament bubble all season, after nearly making it to the Final Four last year. Heading into the game with the No. 1 Orange, the Cardinals were on the wrong side of the bubble. Yet Syracuse vs Louisville may have been the game that clinched their berth, with a 78-68 upset.

At this time last year, the Cardinals were the red hot Big East team that took control of the power conference. This year, the Orange had filled that spot, with a No. 1 ranking and a Big East regular season title. Today's game was just to keep their top ranking and stay on course for the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, but they got set back in both goals.

The Syracuse vs Louisville contest had much more on the line for the home team, and they rocked Freedom Hall in response. The venerable arena was hosting its last game, and bench player Kyle Kuric sent it off with 22 points and four three-pointers, while only one starter reached double digits. But thanks to Kuric, and a explosive second half, the Cardinals got the statement win they needed.

It was a tale of two halves, as in the first, both teams were relatively even. Syracuse was up by five at the break, but everything caught up with them afterwards. The Syracuse vs Louisville match turned into total domination for the Cardinals, who outscored the Orange 48-33 in the last 20 minutes. An awful day of three-point and free throw shooting for the Orange sealed their fate as well.

Freedom Hall legends Pervis Ellison, Denny Crum and Milt Wagner saw their Cardinals make up for weeks of mediocrity. Louisvile is still only 20-11, but is now 11-7 in the crowded Big East, with a signature win against the hottest team in the country. An ugly loss to Marquette looked to seal their fate, but a win here, and at least one win in the Big East tournament, should get them in.

While the Syracuse vs Louisville score may have decided the Cardinals' fate, the Orange still have theirs largely decided. They are still locked for a top seed, although they lost the No. 1 ranking, and possibly the top overall seed. Kansas is in control for that race, but Syracuse can still make a statement by winning the Big East tournament.

With a double bye, the Syracuse vs Louisville outcome will sting for only a few days, until the Orange retake the court on Thursday in New York. The Cardinals will finish sixth, having lost a fifth-place tiebreaker to Marquette, and will start their New York journey on Wednesday.

Sources

AHN- "Louisville Stuns Syracuse, Likely Secures NCAA Nod"

Sporting News- "What We Learned: Loss to Louisville won't really hurt Syracuse"