USIU Faces Challenge at No. 3 Syracuse

SYRACUSE — The last time the U.S. International men’s basketball team visited the Carrier Dome to play Syracuse was 1981, and the Orangemen won, 94-81. The Gulls will be fortunate to be that close when the teams meet tonight at 4:30 p.m. (PST).

Syracuse, ranked third in the country, is 8-0 and averaging 101.5 points a game. The Orangemen are led by guards Steven Thompson (19.8 points) and Sherman Douglas (18 points).

USIU is 3-5 and has lost three consecutive road games. The Gulls, led by guard Paul Wilson (15.5 points) and forward Demetrius Laffitte (14 points), have been outscored 95.6-65.6.

After Syracuse, USIU plays in a tournament at Dartmouth Friday and Saturday and at Coppin State Monday to finish a 10-game trip. The Gulls return home to play Montana Dec. 28.