Box Score
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The backcourt of Jonny Flynn and Eric Devendorf combined for 43 points in 20th-ranked Syracuse's 102-85 loss at #17/16 Villanova before 20,390 at the sold-out Wachovia Center. Flynn had eight assists and two steals along with his 22 points for the Orange (18-6, 6-5). Dante Cunningham led all scorers with 31 for Villanova (19-4, 7-3). Orange forward Rick Jackson scored all 12 of his points in the first half, including SU's first four field goals.
After trailing, 53-38, at halftime, the Orange cut the lead to 10, 58-48, on a basket by Flynn with 16:04 remaining in the game. Devendorf ignited the SU run with a three-point play, hitting the free throw after he was fouled making a layup. Then the junior hit a three-point field goal to cut the margin to 14, 58-44, at the 18:24 mark. Next, Devendorf made a steal and passed the ball ahead to Flynn, who converted the fast-break layup. Flynn's next jump shot made the score 58-48. Villanova responded with the next five points and maintained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game.
Syracuse made a late surge using three-point field goals from Paul Harris and Andy Rautins and a pair of free throws by Flynn in a one-minute 9-2 run to cut the lead to 11, 92-81, with 4:02 remaining in the game. However, Villanova scored 10 of the final 14 points to seal the victory.
Flynn has reached double figures in scoring in all 23 games this season and has 961 career points. Devendorf 's 21 points gives him 1,455 in his Orange career, which ranks 24th in the SU record books. He has scored in double digits in 18 of the 22 games he has played in 2008-09. Senior forward Kristof Ongenaet paced the Orange with nine rebounds in 17 minutes.
The Orange will play at #1/1 Connecticut on Wednesday, Feb. 11 (7:00 p.m., ESPN) before returning to the Carrier Dome to host Georgetown in the Carrier Dome on Saturday, Feb. 14 in an "Orange Out." Syracuse fans are encouraged to dress in Orange in an attempt to make the Dome as Orange as possible.
In conjunction with the "Orange Out," Manny's on Marshall Street and the University Sport Shop in the Shoppingtown and Great Northern Malls will be offering 20% off all orange gear. The offer is valid from February 1 to February 13.
The University is also hosting a special pregame collection to help The Salvation Army on the day of the Georgetown game. Salvation Army volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations at the Carrier Dome.