Syracuse Basketball: A look back at past Boeheim’s Army performances in TBT
By Josh Peelman
Boeheim’s Army- 2017
Anyone who has watched Boeheim’s Army in The Basketball Tournament loves this 2017 Boeheim’s Army Team. Why do you ask? Well for starters, this team was well balanced, had lots of talent to meet the field, showed it could compete with anyone, and had a rally for the ages that Orange fans everywhere will not soon forget.
Boeheim’s Army once again revamped the roster, but kept Head Coach Ryan Blackwell, and brought back Captains Eric Devendorf and Brandon Triche for the roster.
They also added former 2015 members Rick Jackson and CJ Fair. However, to give the team some youth it added three-point specialist Trevor Cooney, recently graduated John Gillon, and DaShonte Riley. Former freshman star Donte Greene would also be added in their second game after traveling to join the team, and sharpshooter James Southerland would be added as the ringer in their third game.
The results were outstanding. For the third straight year, Boeheim’s Army obliterated their first matchup against Dubois Dream, 99-66, according to Syracuse.com. In that game, Brandon Triche would get a triple-double of 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Next, they would barely hold off Gael Nation (Iona alumni), winning 106-100 in double overtime, according to the Daily Orange. Gael Nation had a 20-point comeback to force overtime, but heroics and leadership by Devendorf kept them in the game long enough to advance.
Boeheim’s Army would then have another tough go of it in the Super 16, but this time would advance to their second Quarterfinals appearance. In order to do so, they had to get through Team Fancy 65-61, who would not back down. Leadership by Triche and Devendorf late helped Boeheim’s Army secure the victory, according to Nunesmagician.com.
Next up, was a matchup with Team FOE. The game would instantly be a TBT All-Time classic, and become one of Syracuse basketball fans’ favorite games of all-time. Boeheim’s Army would struggle against the length and toughness of Team FOE. With the game getting really out of hand midway through the second half and down 25, Boeheim’s Army would mount a comeback for the ages.
The Orange alumni team mixed things up on offense going inside-out and hampered down hard on defense to get steals which led to transition points. James Southerland, suddenly out of nowhere started shooting the lights out, hitting three after three to spark the run. Those were followed by drives and transition steals to the rim by Triche and Devendorf. It took almost 10 minutes, but with 1:53 left in the game, Devendorf would make the comeback complete and give Boeheim’s army a one-point lead. They would hold on to win 72-67 and advance to the Semifinals (Final Four).
Unfortunately, after such a dramatic win the game before, Boeheim’s Army would still fall just short of making it the championship, losing to eventual TBT 2017 winner Overseas Elite, 81-77. In those games they showed they had more than enough talent and experience to keep up with the defending champions of TBT.