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LAHAINA >> Eighth-ranked Syracuse powered past No. 18 Baylor, 74-67, for the Orange’s third EA Sports Maui Invitational championship tonight at the Lahaina Civic Center.
It was Syracuse’s first appearance in the prestigious early season tournament since 1998.
Coach Jim Boeheim’s team improved to 9-0 all-time on Maui. It is one of two schools, along with five-time champion Duke, with an unblemished record in the Valley Isle tourney.
Senior forward C.J. Fair led the Orange (7-0) with 24 points on 10-for-17 shooting. Sophomore Jerami Grant added 19 points to help outdo five Bears in double figures.
Fair was named the tournament MVP.
Syracuse committed only seven turnovers to Baylor’s 20, helping overcome a 33-21 BU rebounding advantage.
Baylor fell to 6-1 with its first loss of the season.
