BigEastSportsBlog.com

The Hoyas averted a Valentine’s Day massacre, but there was no miracle occurring in the Carrier Dome as they fell 98-94 in overtime.

Down by 16 with just eight minutes to play, Georgetown looked like it was throwing away a game that had been evenly played in the first half. But then the Hoyas found the tenacity that they have been missing in most of their recent games. After some excellent shotmaking (and a few lucky breaks), the comeback was capped off by a long, contested three by Chris Wright to tie the game at 83. With only a few seconds remaining, Syracuse guard Johnny Flynn made one of his few mistakes of the day, allowing DaJuan Summers to intercept a pass, sending the game into overtime.

Chris Wright was the Hoyas’ leader today, scoring a career high 25 points to go along with six assists and five rebounds. He hit clutch shots all game, nailing threes or penetrating inside when Georgetown needed a score the most. But in overtime Wright ultimately had to head to the bench when he picked up his fifth foul with 50 seconds remaining. No other Hoya was able to repeat Wright’s heroics as time ran down.

At the end of the game it was the Orange guards who made the difference. Eric Devendorf finished with 23 points, including eight in overtime. Jonny Flynn was the hero for Syracuse, scoring 20 of his 25 points after halftime and shooting 15-of-16 from the free throw line. His 4-of-4 performance from the line in the extra period kept Georgetown from having a chance to win. Flynn also had 13 assists for the double-double.

Two other players had double-doubles: Syracuse’s Arinze Onuaku had 15 points and 13 rebounds, and Georgetown freshman Greg Monroe had 16 points and 11 boards.

Now 13-10, 4-8 in the Big East, the loss today made Georgetown’s already dire situation even worse. USF on Tuesday is unquestionably a must-win for the Hoyas, but the real moment of truth comes next weekend, when they play two games in three days against Marquette and Louisville. If Georgetown does not show it can still beat a quality opponent, it can give up any hope of dancing come March.