There’s something magical about the playoffs. Anything can and will happen.

In the men’s basketball NCAA Tournament, No. 6 Indiana seemed like a deer in the headlights against powerhouse Duke. But coach Mike Davis and Co. proved otherwise. In last year’s World Series, the Arizona Diamondbacks shocked the heavily favored Yankees, winning the series, 4-3.

So this weekend, when Syracuse heads out to the Big East Championship at the Neil Schiff Tennis Complex in Coral Gables, Fla., don’t be surprised if upsets and the unexpected come true.

The Orangewomen (8-11, 4-2 Big East) hope to forget about last year’s early playoff exit against West Virginia on Saturday when they play Boston College (7-10, 5-1). The two teams met earlier in the season in Chestnut Hill, Mass., where the Eagles knocked off SU, 6-1.

Syracuse remains unfazed.

‘That was their home court,” assistant coach Marni Nordstrom said, “and that’s not a factor anymore.’

‘It’s all up here,’ head coach Mac Gifford said, pointing to his head. ‘If we believe we can beat them, we will.’

Even if Syracuse does knock off the Eagles, a slew of other Big East powers await.

(BOLD) No. 1 — Notre Dame (2-0 Big East)

Ranked 20th in the nation, the Fighting Irish are the clear-cut favorites to win the Big East.

While their 13-12 record isn’t anything to brag about, their tough schedule included No. 4 Duke, No. 7 Wake Forest and No. 8 North Carolina.

‘That’s a program for you,’ Gifford said. ‘They’re the team to beat in our league and they’ve been able to recruit quality tennis players year after year.’

No. 2 — Miami (2-1)

The Hurricanes’ only loss of the season came in a 4-3 loss to Notre Dame. Four of those matches were decided by a game or less.

Their efforts were rewarded with a No. 27 NCAA ranking. Gifford credits their success not only to a rich athletic program, but their location, which helps with recruiting.

No. 3 — Virginia Tech (4-1)

The Hokies clearly aren’t in the same league as Notre Dame, losing, 7-0, earlier in the season.

‘I would have liked to play Virginia Tech,’ Gifford said. ‘It just wasn’t in the cards.’

No. 4 — Boston College (5-1)

As the No. 3 seed last year, the Eagles advanced to the semifinals only to lose to the Miami. Should BC repeat its first-round success, things won’t get any easier against Notre Dame.

No. 5 — SU (4-2)

No. 6 — Rutgers (8-3)

With the most conference matches of any team in the playoffs, Rutgers rides the wave of three straight victories into the postseason. Rutgers proved it belonged in the tournament two weeks ago, losing to BC, 4-3.

‘Anything can happen,’ Nordstrom said. ‘You look at Rutgers and Boston College. I think we have a chance.’

Published on April 18, 2002 at 12:00 pm