Devendorf, Rautins Lead Orange Past Sun Devils 78-67

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.