1986-87
This group sported a 31-7 mark, tying for first in the Big East and getting to the conference’s post-season title game, where it fell to Georgetown. Yuck.
As a No. 2 seed in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament, the ‘Cuse beat No. 1 seed North Carolina in the Elite Eight and Big East rival Providence, a No. 6 seed, in the national semi-finals. In the championship contest, the first appearance for Boeheim, the Orange faced off with No. 1 seed Indiana.
Missed free throws late in regulation by our boys and a dagger corner jumper from Keith Smart with only several seconds to go resulted in the Hoosiers prevailing by one point. Heart-break city for JB, unfortunately. Key contributors for this SU crew included Rony Seikaly, Sherman Douglas, Greg Monroe, Howard Triche and Derrick Coleman.