Game 2 - Syracuse vs. Iona 1998

Our second game of the tournament features two schools located in New York State.  An always enticing 5-12 matchup, Iona was very much a live underdog here, despite coming from the MAAC, which has traditionally been a one-bid league.  As you would expect from a Jim Boeheim - led team, Syracuse was well prepared.  Iona's offense was stifled early by the much larger more physical Syracuse defense, although the Orange's own offensive struggles kept the game close.  Iona led by six at one point in the second half, but in the end, Syracuse's athleticism was too much for the Gaels. The game remained close until the end, neither team leading by more than three points.  Syracuse would move on with a 63-61 victory after a late three point field goal.