Mike Hopkins picked up the first win of his career against Colgate, moving to 1-1 overall.
Syracuse got off to a quick deficit against the Colgate Raiders early after a few vacuous plays. But the Orange were able to regain the lead just as quickly as they gave it up and stepped on the gas in the first half.
Syracuse started off red hot from downtown by going 4-5 from three point land, which would be a sign of things to come. Each three came from a different Syracuse player as Michael Gbinije, Malachi Richardson, Tyler Lydon and Trevor Cooney all got in on the action. Syracuse's 2-3 zone was able to force the Raiders into tough spots, pressuring them to turn the ball over. This helped the Orange get out in transition and gave Syracuse a 33-22 lead at the half.
Colgate never threatened Syracuse in the second half as Gbinije had a 5-0 run to start things off. Syracuse extended its lead in the second half, ballooning all the way to 27. Gbinije was the high point man and finished his night with 17 points, six assists, four rebounds, three steals, a block and a partridge in a pear tree. He's playing at an elite level.
Silent G is slowly becoming a ??. Great example for kids gotta respect the process and work hard it pays off. @Cuse_MBB
— Terrence Roberts (@TjR_16) December 9, 2015
Syracuse was able to take advantage of 19 Colgate turnovers -- the Orange lead every statistical category except, you guessed it, rebounding. Colgate out-rebounded Syracuse by 2. The team was just one three-pointer away from tying a school record for most threes made in a game, which stands at 15.
With the loss, Colgate is now 0-5 against New York teams this season. Syracuse moves to 7-3 on the year and will take on a St. John's on Sunday. That game tips off a noon and will air on FS1.
