As Georgetown and Syracuse prepare to meet for the 95th time on Saturday at Capital One, we take a stroll down memory lane in this rivalry to March of 2003, to highlight the memorable performance of a local standout who came to DC to face the Hoyas as a bitter enemy....Carmelo Anthony.
Playing for the first time close to his hometown of Baltimore, MD, Syracuse's freshman sensation struggled in the first half, shooting 3-10 from the field. To make matters worst, Georgetown started the game on an 11-0 run while Syracuse as a team, missed their first 8 shots and 14-17. The Orangemen 2-3 zone defense eventually cooled the Hoyas off, allowing them get back into the game, although they trailed 30-27 at the half.
In the second half, Anthony showed why he was projected to be a top three pick.
To counteract Georgetown standout Michael Sweetney, who started the second half scoring 11 of the Hoyas 13 points to extend a once three point lead to double digits, Anthony became ultra aggressive, shooting 9-19 from the field in the second half to lead a Syracuse comeback and force overtime.
Syracuse, led by another standout freshman Gerry McNamara's solo 8 point run, jumped out to an 8 point lead and wouldn't look back, defeating Georgetown 93-84 for their fifth straight win.
Anthony, despite his slow start, finished with 30 points and 15 rebounds, McNamara posted 22 points (10 in overtime) and Hakim Warrick added 14 points and 18 rebounds to pace Syracuse.
Michael Sweetney led the Hoyas with game highs 31 points, 19 rebounds, 7 assist and 7 blocks in a losing effort.
Anthony shined bright in what Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim called " a typical Georgetown-Syracuse."
Highlights of Anthony's performance can be seen below.
