Julie Jacobson / AP

Syracuse's Eric Devendorf celebrates after making a 3-point basket in the No. 18 Orange's 74-69 victory over West Virginia on Friday.

West Virginia was trying to get to its second title game, the other being a 68-59 loss to McNamara and his band of overachieving teammates in 2005.

This Syracuse team may not be better than the one four years ago, but it’s certainly making a run at matching it for drama.

“This has to be even crazier. That was crazy, too, when Gerry did that and made a shot or play to win every game that was unbelievable,” Devendorf said. “When you play six overtimes, that’s unbelievable. It’s mentally draining and for us to come out tonight against a great West Virginia team and go to another overtime and come out on the winning side is just cool for our team.”

Unlike the epic game, when Syracuse took its only lead after regulation at the start of the sixth overtime, the Orange took the lead right away in the only one Friday when Devendorf found Paul Harris for a layup 35 seconds in to make it 65-63. Flynn scored on a drive and added two free throws to make it 69-63, but West Virginia was back within one when Ebanks made two free throws with 20 seconds left.

Harris made the first of two free throws after being fouled on the inbounds. Darryl Bryant’s 3-point attempt was partially blocked by Devendorf, who went down for a layup with 7.5 seconds left that ended any thoughts of a second straight marathon.

Devendorf almost ended Thursday’s game in regulation when he hit a shot from about 30 feet as time ran out. An official review showed it came too late.

Against West Virginia, Devendorf’s long-range heroics came a lot sooner — and counted. Bryant hit a 3 with 2 seconds left in the half to bring the Mountaineers within 33-29, but Devendorf took the inbounds pass, set himself and drained a 50-footer that he got off in time.

“That was just luck. I threw it up and it went in,” Devendorf said of the halftime buzzer beater. “We’re on a seven-game winning streak, on a real emotional roller coaster going into the NCAA tournament. It will say a lot about our team if we come out and win tomorrow.”

More news

Mark J. Terrill / AP

Gordon reacted to article right way

CBT: Drew Gordon is taking a different approach to SI's UCLA article than Reeves Nelson, one much more likely to result in hearing his name called come NBA draft day.

Former Indiana coach Watson dies at 88

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - Former Indiana coach and player Lou Watson has died at the age of 88.

Headlines

• Label

CBT: Cincinnati, Xavier to continue rivalry

CBT: 4 Indiana schools extend Crossroads Classic

CBT: Stony Brook says it's staying put ... for now

CBT: Will Michigan re-hang the Fab Five banners?

CBT: Is the new early entry deadline working?

CBT: Fine's wife to sue ESPN for libel

CBT: Coach K gets a lot of bucks and bennies

CBT: ACC will include all 14 teams in tournament