The first meeting between the Duke Blue Devils and Syracuse Orange as ACC members turned out to be an instant classic with Syracuse escaping with a 91-89 overtime victory that could signal collegiate basketball's newest rivalry.
In a game that featured two of the most successful coaches in Division I basketball and two highly heralded freshmen, Syracuse extended its winning streak to 21 games to remain one of the three unbeaten teams in the nation. Afterwards, Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim and freshman star Tyler Ennis agreed that the game was among the better played contests in recent years.
"I don't think I've been involved in a better game in here that I can remember," Boeheim said as reported by USA Today. On the other hand, Ennis said: "Definitely one of the (best). The combination of the atmosphere, the fans, the overtime game and us being able to stay undefeated - that's definitely the best."
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said that rivalries in college basketball don't have to be about hatred but should be built on respect. He added: "A great rivalry is built on the respect of excellence of your opponent. That's why we've had a great rivalry with North Carolina - they have such a high level of excellence in their program. Obviously, Syracuse does and we do."
The game was played in front of a record 35,446 fans at the Carrier Dome, and was close all throughout. Neither team led by more than seven points. The lead changed eight times, with deadlocks at 11. The game went into overtime thanks to Rasheed Sulaimon's buzzer-beating three.
In overtime, Syracuse nursed a one-point lead with 13 seconds left. Duke's Rodney Hood attempted a dunk only to be blocked by Rakeem Christmas. Free throws by Ennis and sophomore C.J. Fair sealed the game for the Orange.
Duke and Syracuse will meet again three weeks from now.
"This rivalry seems like it's been going on for 30 years," Fair gushed. "But it's just beginning."
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