SYRACUSE, July 23 (Reuters) – Eric Devendorf, 38, scored 22 points off the bench to lead Boeheim’s Army to a 78-72 victory over Hall In in the TBT tournament 2024 at the War Memorial. The former Syracuse guard described his performance as “feeling like a kid again” in a post-game interview. The game served as the emotional centerpiece of a Cinderella story fueled by nostalgia and national pride.
The TBT tournament 2024 returned to Syracuse for the first time. The War Memorial in downtown Syracuse hosted the matchup between Boeheim’s Army and Hall In on Thursday. The venue amplified the nostalgia factor, with fans filling the 6,200-seat arena to capacity. Pre-game buzz centered on Devendorf’s “elderly revenge” narrative against a team featuring former Seton Hall players.
“I feel like a kid again,” Devendorf told CNYCentral.com before the game. He previewed the Boeheim’s Army roster, highlighting veteran players including ex-Syracuse stars like Kris Joseph and Brandon Triche. The shared history of these players, many now in their 30s, formed the emotional core of the team’s run. Devendorf’s journey from a controversial college career to a TBT hero connects to broader themes of redemption and national pride.
The game itself featured tight defense and clutch shooting. Devendorf hit two three-pointers in the final three minutes to break a 70-70 tie. A defensive stand by Boeheim’s Army forced a shot-clock violation with 45 seconds left. Statistical highlights included a 14-2 scoring run in the third quarter and 12 rebounds from forward James Southerland. The Cinderella story unfolded on the court as the underdog team from Syracuse capitalized on home-court advantage.
The nostalgia factor drove fan engagement. Old rivalries between Syracuse and Seton Hall fueled new dreams for players like Devendorf. TBT tournament 2024 serves as a platform for former college stars to relive glory days. Coverage from syracuse.com and CNYCentral.com showed fans connecting with the “elderly revenge” narrative through social media posts and in-arena chants.
This game resonated beyond Syracuse due to national pride and underdog appeal. A team of aging alumni representing Syracuse became a symbol of perseverance. Yahoo Sports coverage emphasized the emotional stakes: “This is more than a basketball game. It’s about legacy.” The tournament’s role in uniting communities and celebrating basketball heritage was evident in the diverse crowd, which included families, students, and alumni from multiple decades.
What’s next for Boeheim’s Army? The team advances to face the winner of Carmen’s Crew vs. Team Big Shots on Saturday. Roster depth and Devendorf’s leadership suggest potential for a deep run. This Cinderella story could inspire future TBT teams and alumni reunions. Fans can watch upcoming games on ESPN2 and share memories using #TBTSyracuse.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the TBT tournament 2024?
- A: The TBT tournament 2024 is a summer basketball event featuring alumni and professional teams, with Boeheim’s Army representing Syracuse University.
- Q: How did Eric Devendorf perform in the game?
- A: Devendorf scored 22 points off the bench, including two clutch three-pointers in the final minutes, leading Boeheim’s Army to a 78-72 win.
- Q: Why is this game considered a Cinderella story?
- A: The game features veteran players in their 30s, like Devendorf, defying age expectations and evoking nostalgia and national pride in a packed arena.
Extended Reading
Core reference materials for this report:
- syracuse.com: “Boeheim’s Army plays Hall In in TBT: What to know” (syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2026/07/)
- CNYCentral.com: “‘I feel like a kid again’: Eric Devendorf previews Boeheim’s Army roster, TBT” (cnycentral.com/sports/orange-zone/)
- Yahoo Sports: “Boeheim’s Army vs Hall In game thread” (sports.yahoo.com/articles/boeheim-army-vs-hall-game-220000886.html)