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Hundreds of Fans Celebrate SU Women and Men Basketball Teams

Hundreds of orange-clad fans enthusiastically sent off the Syracuse University's men's and women's basketball teams before they depart, respectively, to Houston and Indianapolis to compete in NCAA's Final Four.

The students, families, and lifelong orange supporters gathered with Coach Boeheim and Coach Hillsman for the celebration at Manley Arena at noon.

"We’re not happy right now where we are. We are proud of what we have done, but we are looking forward to two more games and coming back here again one more time to celebrate," Coach Boeheim said. 

Notable Syracuse University alumni including New York State Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul ’80, Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney ’87, L’90 and Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner ’92 said their encouragement to the SU teams. 

"Your journey, your skill and your delight at beating the naysayers have shown us all what heart and spirit can truly do," said Mayor Miner. 

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Syracuse Mayor Miner speaks to how the SU basketball teams show how heart and spirit can beat the naysayers.

SU fan Jim Putnam never doubted Coach Boeheim's  integrity. 

"They're a bunch of kids doing their best. God love 'em," he said. 

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WAER reporter Mike Allinger interviews fans at the SU basketball pep rally.