USA - Syracuse outlast UConn in six overtimes

NEW YORK (NCAA) - March Madness is upon us, and if you don't believe it just look at Syracuse's upset of fourth-ranked Connecticut on Thursday night.

The Big East Tournament game at Madison Square Garden went to six overtimes before the 20th ranked Orangemen prevailed 127-117.

Eric Devendorf, who played 61 minutes for 'Cuse, thought he'd clinched a 74-71 victory at the end of regulation after hitting a three-pointer but after reviewing video, the court officials ruled time had expired before the ball left his hands.

UConn shot themselves in the foot by making just 57.1% (24 of 52) of their free throws and turning the ball over 27 times.

In contrast, Syracuse sank 40 of 51 (78.4%) from the charity stripe and committed 17 turnovers.

Andy Rautins, who plays for Canada's national team, came off the bench and played 49 minutes, scoring 20 points.

He was six of 12 from long range.

The Orangemen's long-time coach Jim Boeheim breathed a sigh of relief when the game finally ended at 1:22 a.m. in New York.

When asked for his thoughts, Boeheim responded: "I've got no words.

"I've never been prouder of any team I've coached."

The game is the second longest to in Division I history.

Cincinnati's 75-73 victory over Bradley on December 21, 1981, still ranks number one as it had one more overtime.

FIBA