Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

SU cheerleaders lead the Orange onto the floor.

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Villanova breaks a huddle prior to tip-off.

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Syracuse forward Rakeem Christmas (25) rises above Villanova forward Daniel Ochefu (23) to control the tip.

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Villanova head coach Jay Wright questions a call made by officials.

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Syracuse forwards CJ Fair (5) and Rakeem Christmas (32) contest Villanova forward Daniel Ochefu's (23) shot.

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Syracuse's Jerami Grant (3) celebrates a put-back slam with point guard Michael Carter-Williams. Grant finished the game with a career-high 13 points on 4 of 7 shooting.

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Syracuse forward Rakeem Christmas (25) hits a fadeaway jumper over Villanova's Maurice Sutton (25).

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Syracuse forward CJ Fair (5) and point guard Michael Carter-Williams force a turnover by Villanova's Achraf Yacoubou.

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Syracuse forward CJ Fair (5) connects on one of his seven field goals. Fair finished the game with 22 points.

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Syaracuse coach Jim Boeheim reacts to a call made by officials.

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Syracuse guard Trevor Cooney was 2-6 on the game but hit two clutch threes down the line to seal the Orange's victory.

Sam Maller | Asst. Photo Editor

Syracuse's Jerami Grant (3) is fouled as he attempts a layup in traffic late in the second half.