Ten Best Moments in Big East Tournament History

McNamara Mania

Feb 9, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange fans hold up signs prior to the game against the Clemson Tigers at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Clemson 57-44. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Syracuse entered the 2006 Big East tournament as the ninth seed and very much on the NCAA tournament bubble. Four games later, Syracuse was the Big East tournament champion.

Senior guard Gerry McNamara almost single-handedly carried the Orange to this improbable championship. In the first round of the tournament, McNamara hit a game-winning 3-pointer with less than a second to go to beat Cincinnati. In the next round against UConn, McNamara hit a game-tying basket with five seconds remaining in regulation. Syracuse won the game in overtime.

In the semifinals against Georgetown, McNamara hit a late 3-pointer to bring the Orange within a point of the Hoyas. Moments later, McNamara made the assist on the game-wining basket. Syracuse did not require any miracles from McNamara in theconference final against Pitt, but he had a solid performance that included fourteen points and six assists.