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San Diego State’s Terrell Gomez shows his frustration during the second half of their loss to Syracuse in a first-round NCAA Tournament game at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange shoots over Adam Seiko #2 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Joseph Girard III #11 of the Syracuse Orange looks to pass against Trey Pulliam #4 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Syracuse forward Quincy Guerrier, left, and San Diego State guard Trey Pulliam reach for the ball during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. Syracuse won 78-62. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Kadary Richmond #3 of the Syracuse Orange shoots between Nathan Mensah #31, Matt Mitchell #11, and Terrell Gomez #3 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Terrell Gomez #3 of the San Diego State Aztecs dribbles against Kadary Richmond #3 of the Syracuse Orange during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Joseph Girard III #11 of the Syracuse Orange shoots during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs looks to pass against Jesse Edwards #14 of the Syracuse Orange during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Head coach Brian Dutcher of the San Diego State Aztecs gestures during the first half against the Syracuse Orange in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Robert Braswell #20 of the Syracuse Orange shoots during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange shoots a three point basket over Keshad Johnson #0 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Quincy Guerrier #1 of the Syracuse Orange drives to the basket against Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Joseph Girard III #11 of the Syracuse Orange shoots over Terrell Gomez #3 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Joseph Girard III #11 of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots against Joseph Girard III #11 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Kadary Richmond #3 of the Syracuse Orange dribbles during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Kadary Richmond #3 of the Syracuse Orange shoots between Nathan Mensah #31, Matt Mitchell #11, and Terrell Gomez #3 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Marek Dolezaj #21 of the Syracuse Orange drives to the basket against Nathan Mensah #31 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Kadary Richmond #3 of the Syracuse Orange attempts a shot between Nathan Mensah #31, Matt Mitchell #11, and Terrell Gomez #3 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Marek Dolezaj #21 of the Syracuse Orange passes over Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Head coach Brian Dutcher of the San Diego State Aztecs gestures during the first half against the Syracuse Orange in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs looks to pass against Jesse Edwards #14 of the Syracuse Orange during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange shoots over Joshua Tomaic #23 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Marek Dolezaj #21 of the Syracuse Orange shoots between Matt Mitchell #11 (L) and Nathan Mensah #31 (R) of the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Trey Pulliam #4 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots during the second half against the Syracuse Orange in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots during the second half against the Syracuse Orange in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange reacts to a foul on his team during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Quincy Guerrier #1 of the Syracuse Orange shoots during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Quincy Guerrier #1 of the Syracuse Orange shoots over Nathan Mensah #31 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Lamont Butler #5 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots against Marek Dolezaj #21 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange looks to pass against Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange looks to pass against Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots over Joseph Girard III #11 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Nathan Mensah #31 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots over Robert Braswell #20 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Lamont Butler #5 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots against Marek Dolezaj #21 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Keshad Johnson #0 of the San Diego State Aztecs looks to shoot against Jesse Edwards #14 and Robert Braswell #20 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Syracuse forward Quincy Guerrier (1) as San Diego State played Syracuse in a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Kadary Richmond #3 of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange attempts a three point basket over Adam Seiko #2 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Trey Pulliam #4 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots against Robert Braswell #20 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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San Diego State forward Matt Mitchell, right, looks to shoot as Syracuse forward Marek Dolezaj defends during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA men’s tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim (35) shoots over San Diego State guard Lamont Butler (5) during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Nathan Mensah #31 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots over Jesse Edwards #14 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: 3 #4 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots during the second half against the Syracuse Orange in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Keshad Johnson #0 of the San Diego State Aztecs defends against Marek Dolezaj #21 of the Syracuse Orange the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange dribbles against Trey Pulliam #4 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots against Marek Dolezaj #21 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange looks on during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Joseph Girard III #11 of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Trey Pulliam #4 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots against Robert Braswell #20 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange looks to pass against Trey Pulliam #4 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Kadary Richmond #3 of the Syracuse Orange defends the shot attempt by s #20 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Nathan Mensah #31 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots over Jesse Edwards #14 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots against Marek Dolezaj #21 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Syracuse forward Quincy Guerrier (1) fights for a rebound with San Diego State guard Jordan Schakel (20) during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Adam Seiko #2 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots during the second half against the Syracuse Orange in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim (35) is defended by San Diego State guard Trey Pulliam (4) during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Lamont Butler #5 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots against Robert Braswell #20 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: John Bol Ajak #2 of the Syracuse Orange celebrates the victory against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: John Bol Ajak #2 and Woody Newton #4 of the Syracuse Orange celebrate the victory against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: John Bol Ajak #2 and Alan Griffin #0 of the Syracuse Orange celebrate the victory against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots during the second half against the Syracuse Orange in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Keshad Johnson #0 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots during the second half between several Syracuse Orange defenders in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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San Diego State forward Matt Mitchell (11) defends against Syracuse forward Quincy Guerrier during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Syracuse forward Alan Griffin (0) tries to save a rebound in front of San Diego State forward Nathan Mensah (31) during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse forward Kadary Richmond (3) shoots between a trio of San Diego State defenders during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse forward Quincy Guerrier (1) goes around San Diego State forward Matt Mitchell (11) during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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San Diego State guard Lamont Butler (5) passes the ball over Syracuse forward Kadary Richmond (3) during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim (35), looks to move around San Diego State forward Matt Mitchell (11) during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA men’s tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. Syracuse won 78-62. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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San Diego State guard Terrell Gomez (3) as San Diego State played Syracuse in a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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San Diego State forward Matt Mitchell (11) shoots over Syracuse forward Marek Dolezaj (21) during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA men’s tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. Syracuse won 78-62. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse forward Marek Dolezaj, left, runs into San Diego State forward Nathan Mensah during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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San Diego State forward Keshad Johnson (0) vies for a rebound with Syracuse forward Robert Braswell (20) during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse forward Quincy Guerrier (1) commits an offensive foul on San Diego State forward Nathan Mensah (31) during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA men’s tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. Syracuse won 78-62. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse’s Quincy Guerrier (1), Buddy Boeheim (35) and Alan Griffin celebrate a teammate’s 3-point shot late in the second half against San Diego State in a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA men’s tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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San Diego State forward Matt Mitchell (11) as San Diego State played Syracuse in a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim (35) as San Diego State played Syracuse in a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim (35) as San Diego State played Syracuse in a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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San Diego State guard Adam Seiko (2) as San Diego State played Syracuse in a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse forward Quincy Guerrier (1) as San Diego State played Syracuse in a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse forward Kadary Richmond (3) as San Diego State played Syracuse in a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim (35) as San Diego State played Syracuse in a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Terrell Gomez #3 of the San Diego State Aztecs reacts during the second half against the Syracuse Orange in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Terrell Gomez #3 of the San Diego State Aztecs reacts during the second half against the Syracuse Orange in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS — The decades-old zone defense of Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim claimed another frustrated victim Friday night.
One of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country, too.
The 11th-seeded Orange held sixth-seeded San Diego State without a field goal for nearly a quarter of the game, sweet-shooting Buddy Boeheim hit seven 3-pointers and finished with 30 points, and Syracuse cruised to a 78-62 victory inside Hinkle Fieldhouse and into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Boeheim finished 7 for 10 from beyond the arc and 11 for 15 from the field. Marek Dolezaj added 11 points as Syracuse (17-9) advanced to play third-seeded West Virginia, an 84-67 winner over No. 14 seed Morehead State, for a spot in the Sweet 16.
“We want to keep going, keep building off this,” the younger Boeheim said. “We know there’s still a long road ahead of us. It’s a great feeling. We have a day tomorrow to get a practice in and we’re right back Sunday.”
The Orange were trailing 18-14 midway through the first half when they clamped down on defense, holding SDSU (23-5) without a field goal the rest of the half. And when the Aztecs threatened to trim their deficit to less than 10 early in the second half, the son of the longtime Syracuse coach was there to provide an answer.
Boeheim hit three quick 3-pointers, one of them curling off a screen and falling away, to put the game out of reach.
“Buddy just had one of those games like he’s been having lately,” Jim Boeheim said. “I never had one of those so I don’t know how it feels, but it looks like the basket is wide and he just made some great shots.”
Former Bishop Montgomery High standout Jordan Schakel had 17 points for the Aztecs, but the nation’s third-best 3-point shooter was just 5 for 13 from beyond the arc. Leading scorer Matt Mitchell (Roosevelt High of Eastvale) also had 17 points on 8-of-19 shooting for the Mountain West Conference champs.
SDSU had hoped to make a deep run after its loaded 30-2 team last season missed out on a chance to play in the tournament. But the Aztecs looked nothing like the team that brought a 14-game win streak to Indianapolis, winning them by an average margin of 18.4 points.
“We had a lot of great memories over the years. This is not how we wanted to end it,” said Schakel, choking up a bit. “In a couple days, I’ll be able to look back and be grateful. But right now, this one doesn’t feel good.”
SDSU made it clear from the moment it jacked up three 3-pointers on its first couple trips down the court that the plan was to break Syracuse’s decades-old 2-3 zone by shooting right over the top of it.
The problem was the Aztecs didn’t make many.
Beginning with Boeheim’s own 3-pointer with 9:17 left, the Aztecs never scored again in the first half. They missed their final 10 attempts from beyond the arc, finished 3 for 20 from the 3-point line in the first half, and even missed the front end of a one-and-one with a few seconds left before the break.
“Obviously we knew we needed to make 3s in order to compete in this game,” Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher said. “When you’re missing them, the defense starts shrinking in. It gets harder to drive.”
“Buddy Buckets” nearly outscored San Diego State by himself. Boeheim had 16 points as Syracuse built a 32-18 halftime lead; it was the fewest points Dutcher’s high-scoring, perimeter-oriented team had scored in a half all season.
Mitchell, the Mountain West Player of the Year, missed all five of his 3-point tries and was 1 for 9 from the field.
Schakel finally got a 3-pointer to go right out of halftime, giving the few San Diego State fans in the crowd a long-awaited reason to cheer. But the Aztecs promptly went into another long slump, and Boeheim and the rest of the Orange’s red-hot shooters continued to bury their own 3-pointers, building a 56-30 lead before coasting to the finish.
“They played well. Offensively, obviously, we struggled to shoot the ball,” Dutcher said. “Their zone was very good. Coach Boeheim has had the success he’s had because he plays it better than anyone.”
BIG PICTURE
Syracuse kept its late-season momentum going Friday night. The Orange had won three of their last four games, beating North Carolina and Clemson, and took Virginia to the wire in a buzzer-beating loss in the ACC Tournament. … The Orange will play the Mountaineers on Sunday. Syracuse is 28-16 against West Virginia, its old Big East rival.
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