On This Day in Sports: April 7, 2003
On April 7, 2003, Syracuse defeated Kansas, 81-78, in New Orleans to win the first NCAA men’s basketball championship in program history. The Orangemen had reached the final behind a gifted freshman, Carmelo Anthony, and the 2-3 zone that defined coach Jim Boeheim’s teams. Against Kansas, they built an early cushion and then survived a furious second-half comeback.
Anthony scored 20 points, grabbed ten rebounds and helped Syracuse control the game’s first half. Gerry McNamara supplied six three-pointers, repeatedly punishing Kansas whenever the defense collapsed toward the lane. The Jayhawks dominated the offensive glass and cut the margin in the closing minutes, turning what had looked comfortable into a possession-by-possession test.
The title was secured by one final defensive play. With Syracuse ahead by three, Kansas guard Michael Lee appeared to have space for a tying corner shot, but Hakim Warrick recovered and blocked the attempt. The horn followed moments later. Anthony was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player, and Boeheim finally had a championship after decades of national contention.
The victory reshaped the reputations of both coach and freshman star. Anthony soon entered the NBA, leaving behind one brilliant college season, while Boeheim’s zone gained its defining championship example. Syracuse’s first title remains remembered for the balance of star power and team structure—and for Warrick’s long arm arriving just before a final shot could change everything.
Syracuse defeated Kansas 81-78.
The championship game was played in New Orleans.
Carmelo Anthony had 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Gerry McNamara made six three-pointers.
Hakim Warrick blocked a late tying attempt.
It was Jim Boeheim’s first national title.
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