SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Michael Gbinije scored 23 points, Trevor Cooney had 17 and Syracuse overcame a listless first-half to defeat upstate foe St. Bonaventure 79-66 Tuesday.
Freshmen Malachi Richardson added 15 points and Tyler Lydon 13 for the Orange (2-0).
The upset-minded Bonnies (1-1), who last defeated Syracuse Jan. 26, 1981, enjoyed a 35-29 halftime lead and extended its lead to 45-35 on a slam by Syracuse native Denzel Gregg at 15:42.
The Orange then went on a 34-14 blitz over the next 12 minutes. Five points by Gbinije, who slammed home a Richardson air-balled 3-pointer at 13:03 brought the Orange within 3 at 48-45.