WATCH: Syracuse star Buddy Boeheim takes obvious cheapshot at FSU player
Syracuse dominated the first half against Florida State in their game of the ACC Tournament. However, it didn’t come without some controversy involving Orange star Buddy Boeheim.
Halfway through the first half, Boeheim took an obvious cheapshot at Florida State guard Wyatt Wilkes. On his way back on defense, Boeheim laid his forearm and fist into the chest of Wilkes. Afterwards, Wilkes was in obvious pain — the wind knocked out of him from the confusing cheap shot.
Moreover, the Orange certainly didn’t need to impose anymore of their physical will on the Seminoles. Syracuse was far and away the better team in the first half, racing to a 49-26 lead at halftime of the contest. Aside from the cheapshot Buddy Boeheim leveled, he had a solid first half — adding eight points and two rebounds to the effort.
More on Syracuse vs. Florida State, ACC Tournament
The ACC Tournament is off to a roaring start on Wednesday, as Syracuse leads Florida State by a score of 49-26 at halftime of the first game of the day. Leading the way for the Orange is forward Cole Swider, who scored 20 points in the first half. The Seminoles were a sleeper team in the ACC Tournament, but they spent the first half sleep-walking as Syracuse took it to them.
The Seminoles couldn’t buy a basket on a consistent basis, as Florida State shot just 31.6% from the field. On the other hand, Syracuse was feeling the fire in their hands, shooting 53.1% from the field, and 46.7% from three. While many believes Mike Krzyzewski and Jim Boeheim had their final showdown at the end of February, the Orange will be on their way to a Duke rematch if they can hold on in the second half.
Later after Florida State and Syracuse reaches the final buzzer, No. 5 Wake Forest will look to take care of business against No. 13 Boston College. The Eagles are coming off a huge win over Pittsburgh on Tuesday, while the Demon Deacons and guard Alondes Williams will be on the hunt to continue their impressive season.
Then, No. 7 Virginia Tech takes on No. 10 Clemson to begin the nightcap. After the battle between the Hokies and the Tigers, Wednesday is finished off with a showdown between No. 6 Virginia and No. 11 Louisville. All four teams need solid performances to book their tickets to the NCAA Tournament, and it begins on Wednesday.
Alas, the ACC Tournament continues throughout the week, with plenty on the line ahead of Selection Sunday. Tensions are high, as several teams are fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives. Duke is playing for a top seed, while North Carolina’s season-ending victory over the Blue Devils was likely enough to punch its own NCAA ticket. Additionally, Notre Dame and Wake Forest are also likely on their way, but will need to get at least one win this week to secure their seeding. Meanwhile, Miami, Virginia Tech, and Virginia need a strong showing this week to earn a bid.