C.J. Fair came out of a prolonged slump to score 15 points and grab 7 rebounds and led Syracuse to a nervous 64-63 win over Wisconsin in an East Regional semi-final game in Boston, last night.
Syracuse, who had three others with double-figure point totals, shot 55% from the field, but was unable to shake the stubborn Badgers. Wisconsin stayed close throughout on the strength of 14 three-pointers while shooting 52% from beyond the arc.
Wisconsin had a chance to come away with a victory in the game’s last possession. After Kris Joseph missed the front-end of a one-and-one with 18 seconds remaining in the game, the Badgers failed to get a good look at the basket, as Jordan Taylor missed a forced three-point attempt and Josh Gasser’s last second flail after a rebound was wide left.
Taylor and Jared Berggren paced Wisconsin with 17 points apiece. Syracuse will face Ohio State in the regional final Saturday night in Boston.