With two action packed College Basketball events, the Empire Classic thrilled fans at the Barclays Center as Syracuse University, the University of Richmond, Temple University and St. John’s University all showed the quality of their basketball programs.
The teams playing in front of their hometown crowd had themselves moments of sizzling plays, thunderous dunks, comebacks and overtime thrillers to set the stage for the Battle of the Big Apple Championship game happening on Tuesday night.
Syracuse University Men’s Basketball fans are encouraged to check out the following Post Game Press Conference video featuring Head Coach Jim Boeheim
Starting off the night it was Syracuse University playing the University of Richmond, 74-71 overtime victory. As the Orange had themselves thunderous dunks, wonderful shooting and a great style of play in what was a back-and-forth battle.
Helping to lead the way for Syracuse was Joseph Girard III who had a career-high 31 points. Judah Mintz had a 16 point performance, while making some big shots for the team and Chris Bell had 11 points.
In the second game, it was the St. John’s University having an amazing comeback performance, as they were able to earn a 78-72 victory over Temple University.
Red Storm Men’s Basketball fans are encouraged to check out the following Post Game Press Conference video featuring Head Coach Mike Anderson along with student-athletes Andre Curbelo and Joel Soriano
Helping to lead the way for the Red Storm was Montez Mathis who had a team-high 16 points, while Soriano had his fourth double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
As for Temple University they had themselves a fine shooting performance as Jamille Reynolds scored a career-high 21 points, while Khalif Battle followed with 17. Damian Dun and Zach Hicks recorded 11 points each.
Temple University fans are encouraged to check out the following Post Game Press conference featuring Reynolds, Battle and Head Coach Aaron McKie:
Tuesday night will be another action packed one as the Consolation Game Between Temple and the University of Richmond should be another fast-paced thriller.
In addition, the championship match between St. John’s University and Syracuse University should be an excellent one.
The Orange and the Red Storm have a long history with the other as they had played against the other when Syracuse was in the BIG EAST Conference.
The last time the two teams had met was in 2016. In their battles against each other Syracuse has a 52-42 edge over St. John’s in the all-time series, while St. John’s has been able to win their last three meetings.
Note:
The Gazelle Group who runs the Empire Classic puts a spotlight on the Wounded Warrior Project. During the course of the first game several inspirational vets were honored on the Court for their service as well as the impact they have made on the community after their time in the military.
For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
Wounded Warrior Project – Donate
For more information on the Empire Classic fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: