Reporting From ... The Far End of the Syracuse Bench

They rarely get to play. Then comes the biggest game of the year.

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The men in the background were forced onstage.

Justin Thomas let out a wide yawn last night on the Syracuse bench at the start of the second half against Connecticut. It was just like the drowsiness so many felt at Madison Square Garden during blowouts on Day 2 of the Big East tournament. Only one problem, this was Day 3, and Thomas was one of the many seldom-used subs who needed to wake up.

"[Rick Jackson] told me I needed to get ready," said Thomas, a senior guard from California who appeared in just eight regular season games.

"I was like 'OK' but also just like 'whatever.'"

Turns out Thomas was in for the night of his life, and so was anyone who stayed awake until 1:22 a.m. to witness Syracuse's epic 127-117 six-overtime win over Connecticut last night in the Big East quarterfinals. Eight players fouled out in the second longest game in college basketball history. And by the final buzzer, which came 3 hours, 46 minutes after the opening tip, the Orange had just two starters, one rotational player, a seldom-used freshman and Thomas, a walk-on, out on the floor. Both teams were down to scraps after eight players fouled out during the 70 minutes of game play.

"I was back on Pacific time," said Thomas. "It was definitely cool to be a part of."

Cool, sure. He can safely say that after surviving. Another SU sub, freshman Kris Joseph was more than hesitant when he was called upon early in the fourth overtime.

"I was ready but a little scared, man," said Joseph, who had the tough task of guarding Co-Big East Player of the Year Hasheem Thabeet. "Have you seen the guy? He's a monster. I've never played against anyone like that."

Joseph not only passed his test but earned the praise of assistant coach Mike Hopkins. Thabeet went scoreless after Joseph checked into the game. The likely top ten pick in the June NBA Draft also picked up his fifth foul.

"I think he was in there for just a minute," said Joseph, who went scoreless but grabbed four boards. "That's a win for me, though. I'll take it."

Next stop for the Orange was a cafeteria or room service.

"We've got to reward you guys now," said reserve guard Brandon Reese to his fellow reserves. "Where can we get some food, some breakfast?"

Back on campus they know the usual spots to hit up, but Hopkins wasn't sure where he was going to take them to refuel here in New York City.

"We're not usually out this late," said starter Eric Devendorf. "Well, we're not supposed to be."

Above all, though, Thomas just craves some more playing time.

"Lots of rest for everybody tonight," Thomas said. "Even us [bench] guys."

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