Pitt delivered the body blow a week ago. North Carolina State had Syracuse on the ropes but couldn't finish off the Orange last weekend. But an emotionally inspired Boston College team finally put the No. 1 team in the nation on the canvas Wednesday night.
Boston College, fueled by the emotion of playing to honor long-time sports information Dick Kelley, who died five days ago, pulled off one of the more stunning upsets of the season in college basketball. Sophomore Olivier Hanlan scored 20 points to lead the Eagles to an improbable 62-59 overtime win over previously undefeated Syracuse.
"Just the emotion of this game, I'm speechless. I'm so happy for our guys and all the adversity we've faced this year," Boston College coach Steve Donahue said in his postgame television interview with ESPN.
The Eagles wore 'DK' patches on their uniforms while upsetting the Orange who donned throwback uniforms for this one. Boston College had won just seven games all season and was a 13-point underdog. It also trailed by 13 points in the second half but found a way to rally.
The Orange had survived an overtime game earlier this month against Duke, beat Pitt on a buzzer-beater from freshman guard Tyler Ennis and nipped NC State by a single point. It couldn't overcome a terrible shooting performance against the Eagles.
Syracuse made just 20 of its 62 field goals attempts, including C.J. Fair's 7-for-23 outing. Coach Jim Boeheim said afterward he was surprised his team was even in the game considering the poor shooting night his team endured.
Meanwhile, the Eagles made 11 3-pointers, one fewer than Syracuse attempted. Lonnie Jackson was the only other Boston College player to score in double figures other than Hanlan. The Eagles also overcame 17 turnovers.
Syracuse's loss left Wichita State as the only undefeated team in the nation.


- - - - - - -
Kyle Ringo is the assistant editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
Follow @KyleRingo