Syracuse Advance Thanks To ‘Big Game Buddy’

The college basketball pride of central New York is moving on in the NCAA tournament thanks to a huge night from the coach's son.

The 11-seed Syracuse Orange came out on top against San Diego State Friday night by a score of 78-62. Buddy Boeheim led all scorers with 30 points, continuing his hot run of form and going 7/10 from beyond the arc.

Along with Boeheim's big game, stifling defense was the big story of the matchup. Both teams are well known for their defense, so it was always going to be a question of which one would win out.

The answer: Syracuse. The Orange had smooth sailing much of the second half after they went into the half with a 32-18 lead following a stretch for about half of the first period where the Aztecs didn't score a single field goal.

Syracuse's tried and true zone defense forced San Diego State into an appalling shooting performance, shooting only 35.8% from the field and 27.5% from three. An abysmal 42.9% from the free throw line certainly didn't help matters either.

The Orange will face off against 3-seed West Virginia on Sunday at 5:15 p.m. on CBS.

[via CBS Sports]