Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - Defending Champions Syracuse Loses

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=233300183

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Charlotte's Brendan Plavich set a Carrier Dome record with 10 3-pointers, and seventh-ranked Syracuse began defense of its national title with a 96-92 defeat Wednesday night.

Plavich scored 31 points against the Orangemen, 17-0 last season at home. But without the steadying influence of Carmelo Anthony, who jumped to the NBA after leading Syracuse to the national title in April, they struggled for much of the game against the fired-up 49ers (2-1).

Charlotte shot 52.5 percent and outrebounded Syracuse 43-37.

Plavich scored 22 points in the first half to match his career high, hitting 7-of- 9 from long range to lead the 49ers to a stunning 50-29 lead at the break. He hit his last 3-pointer with 5:33 left for an 84-69 edge, but the Orangemen weren't finished just yet.

Gerry McNamara, who had eight 3s and 34 points, both career bests, scored eight points to lead Syracuse on a 17-7 run. A hook by Hakim Warrick pulled Syracuse to 91-86 with 58.5 seconds to go, and a 3-pointer by McNamara with 17.8 seconds left made it 93-90.

With the partisan crowd roaring, Eddie Basden calmly sank two free throws with 16.1 seconds left to give the 49ers a 95-90 lead.

Josh Pace was then fouled on a 3-point shot from the top of the key. He sank two of the ensuing free throws to move Syracuse within three points. But he missed the third. The rebound barely eluded Syracuse center Jeremy McNeil, and the 49ers escaped.

Basden and Curtis Withers added 16 points apiece for Charlotte.

Warrick finished with 20 points, Pace had 15 points and eight rebounds, and Billy Edelin had 13 points and 10 assists for Syracuse.

The Orangemen's three freshmen -- Terrence Roberts, Darryl Watkins and Demetris Nichols -- combined to play 18 minutes and did not score. In his freshman debut last year, Anthony had 27 points and 11 rebounds, but the Orangemen still lost to Memphis.