2003 NCAA Division I Men"s Basketball Championship Syracuse University vs. University of Kansas Syracuse vs. Kansas April 7, 2003 - New Orleans, Louisiana As the old saying goes, "the third time is a charm" and Jim Boeheim learned this lesson first hand in the New Orleans Superdome by winning Syracuse"s first national championship after unsuccessful attempts in 1987 and 1996. The Orangemen defeated the Kansas Jayhawks by a slim 3-point margin, 81-78, claiming their first national title. Syracuse was led by the freshman phenomenon and tournament"s Most Outstanding Player, Carmelo Anthony who scored 20 points in the championship game and 121 points throughout the tournament; leading all scorers. Relive all the thrilling action and much anticipated celebration as Syracuse is crowned National Champion in the 2003 NCAA National Championship game!