Late Night Snacks: Boeheim's 900, UNLV survives and newcomers abound
By David HartenDec 18, 2012, 1:08 AM EST
The finals are, for the most part, over. Now it's on to school-free college basketball for most of the Division I world.
On the first Monday of the holiday break, a few Top 25 teams survived close games, but the headliner was Syracuse and coach Jim Boeheim got win 900 in his tenure. Three players made their career debuts for major programs and a low-major player does what you rarely see in the scoring column.
It's Late Night Snacks.
Game of the night
Syracuse 72, Detroit 68 – 900. That's really all you need to know. Coach Jim Boeheim won game no. 900 as a head coach, all at Syracuse, in the victory over the Titans. The game was tighter down the stretch than he would've liked it, but nonetheless, the Orange were able to hang on and celebrate.
Games of note
Missouri 102, South Carolina State 51 – The Tigers made easy work of the Bulldogs, but Jabari Brown made his debut for Mizzou since coming over from Oregon. He scored 12 points and dished out three assists in the win. The most-hyped transfer for coach Frank Haith on a team full of them is off to a good start.
UNLV 62, UTEP 60 – It their first Mike Moser-less game for the Rebels, they were able to hold on despite giving Konner Tucker a good three-point look for the win for UTEP with two seconds left. In more newcomer news, Khem Birch scored four points in his first game with UNLV since transferring from Pittsburgh.
Connecticut 84, Maryland-Eastern Shore 50 – This was just important for the simple fact that it's the first game for the Huskies since the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. They were a small distraction in a state that needs one right now, while picking up the pieces and being able to grieve. They were able to do that and allow some level of normalcy to an area that hasn't had much of it in the last few days.
Kelsey Howard, Jackson State – Howard carried the Tigers to their first victory of the season on the road at Seattle with 32 points, a high for any game on Monday night. He was 12-for-19 from the field and 6-for-10 from three.
James Southerland, Syracuse – On a night that was all about Jim Boeheim, before and after the game, it turned out that the Orange needed pretty much every one of the swingman's buckets for the 72-68 win over Detroit. He went for 22 points hitting 5-of-8 threes.
Ryan Boatright, UConn – On a night that the state of Connecticut desperately needed, Boatright provided a performance that, even for a few hours, made them happy. The sophomore guard went for 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in the win over UMES.
Frank Gaines, Fort Wayne – Gaines had a shot on a big-time stage to prove he belonged on the high-major level for the Mastadons (all-mascot pick!). He averaged 20.1 points per game going into the game, but was held to a season-low seven points on 2-for-14 shooting in a loss at Notre Dame. He may still belong on the big stage, but he'll have to do better when the opportunity presents itself.
Stuffing the stat sheet
Isaac Sosa, Canisius – A special shout-out this week to Sosa, who did something that only a shooter can appreciate. Sosa finished with 24 points in the Golden Griffins' (a totally underrated all-mascot pick) 82-54 victory over Longwood. They ALL came on threes. He was 8-for-12 from deep and overall. Keep chuckin' it, my man.
Fanbase that can take a breath
UNLV – You passed the first test without your best player. On the road, no less. Getting Khem Birch eligible will help offset the loss, but at this point, just take wins. However ugly, however close. The Rebels will be fine as long as they dodge any bad losses.
Fanbase that can take a seat
Seattle – Well, Redhawks fans, I'm sure you long for the days of Elgin Baylor. SeattleU (as they're oft to call themselves) gave Jackson State their first win of the season at home tonight, and well, that warrants a night were you're asked to sit and ponder. Not really much you can say, otherwise.
Keep praying for Newtown, everyone.
David Harten is a sportswriter and college basketball blogger. You can follow him on Twitter at @David_Harten.