Jerami Grant played with the same focus and energy that has characterized his breakout performances this season on Monday night. He knocked down mid-range jumpers and rose above the defense to finish at the rim.

But every now and then, he caught himself letting his guard down for a moment as he shared the Carrier Dome court with his older brother in Syracuse’s 63-47 victory against Notre Dame.

“It was a good experience,” Grant said. “Definitely had fun out there with him. Even though it was mostly business on the court, every once in a while, we would talk on the free-throw line or something like that.”

Jerian Grant, starting guard for the No. 25 Fighting Irish, finished with a team-high 15 points and five assists, and got a firsthand look at a career night for Jerami. The Syracuse freshman scored a career-high 14 points for No. 9 SU, helping end a two-game losing streak for the Orange.

He got SU going with a mid-range jumper from the foul line in the opening minute. And he added another just a few minutes later as a part of Syracuse’s 10-0 run to start the game.

Grant later converted in transition to keep his team out in front by three with less than eight minutes to play in the first half. A minute later, he drove aggressively down the right side of the lane, flew toward the basket with his right arm extended and banked a shot home as he crashed to the ground.

But the impressive play was waved off as the official called Grant for an offensive foul.

Grant emerged late in the half to spark a strong finish, swishing an open jumper from the right corner and slicing through the Notre Dame defense for a layup as time expired at the half.

“He’s more than capable player,” said SU guard Brandon Triche. “He’s definitely shown a lot of people that. I’m sure a lot of people didn’t expect him to play a lot, but he’s taken full advantage of the opportunity.”

Grant’s impressive drive to cap the half brought Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey rushing onto the court. With a scowl on his face and arms out, Brey stared down his players as they made their way to the tunnel.

While Grant’s play infuriated Brey, Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim gave him another glowing review.

The freshman has fit seamlessly into the lineup, making plays at both ends of the floor ever since forward James Southerland went out due to eligibility issues.

On Monday night, Grant turned in another steady performance. He played all 40 minutes and grabbed six rebounds to go with his career-high 14 points.

Jerian served as perhaps the lone playmaker for the Irish. The junior guard hit 3s to keep Notre Dame within reach in the first half, and got into the lane against the SU zone to free teammates and create scoring chances.

Triche pointed out Jerian’s use of screens as one flaw in an otherwise stellar defensive effort for the Orange. Jerian utilized them to score and distribute, trying to keep his team in the game.

But in the end, Jerami got the best of the matchup between brothers.

Said SU forward C.J. Fair: “He’s being aggressive, he’s been working hard, he’s getting the minutes that he deserves and he’s taking full advantage of it.”

Published on February 5, 2013 at 12:47 am

Contact Ryne: rjgery@syr.edu