NEW YORK—The normally even-keeled C.J. Fair couldn’t help but laugh.

New York’s college team.

It’s a term thrown around more by athletic officials and diehard fans than the players. But for Fair, it’s clear there was pride on the line in No. 4 Syracuse’s (10-0) 68-63 win against St. John’s (6-3) at Madison Square Garden on Sunday
 
“I know there’s a lot of people in New York City saying that we are (New York’s College Team),” Fair said, “and then St. John’s, they’re not going to feel too happy about that. I’m not going to say we’re New York’s college team to start something, but we just wanted to come into the Garden and put on a show.”

And they did. Under the bright lights at MSG, Fair played Batman as the Orange edged its longtime rival in the Red Storm. SU improved to 93-47 all-time in the historic arena and 75-46 under head coach Jim Boeheim. It has played at least one game there for 32 consecutive seasons.

Of the 16,357 that attended on Sunday, the majority appeared to be Syracuse fans, though St. John’s was equally represented in the lower sections.

“I thought both groups of fans were into it,” Boeheim said. “I just thought it was a great game in the Garden. That’s why we signed up to play in it.

“We knew it would (be a good game). We knew they had a lot of guys back and would be a good team, and there was no surprise there.”

SU isn’t scheduled to return to MSG this season, but could wind up there in the NCAA Tournament Eastern Regional if it gets a good draw.

Published on December 15, 2013 at 5:52 pm

Contact Stephen: sebail01@syr.edu | @Stephen_Bailey1