SAN JOSE, Calif. — Before the questions about the NCAA investigation, the ones that prompted short and terse replies, Boeheim smiled atop the podium inside HP Pavilion.

I understand Elizabeth teaches at the University of Montana.

The first line from a reporter in Boeheim’s presser brought out a smile and a bit of delight from the Syracuse head coach, offering him a chance to reflect on the life of his oldest daughter, Elizabeth.

“She did for two years,” Boeheim said. “She’s been in Missoula for four years. She got her master’s, taught for two years and now she lives in Missoula.

“I’ve been there many times, and I hope when I go back I’ll be treated well. I’ll be back in the spring.”

Boeheim said he enjoys going to Missoula, where he can go fishing and eat at the Black Pearl restaurant. He called it one of the better restaurants he’s been to.

Fourth-seeded Syracuse plays No. 13 Montana on Thursday night in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Boeheim said he told his daughter not to wear an orange sweatshirt when she goes to the sports bar to watch the game, but he said his daughter will certainly be rooting for Syracuse.

“She’s still got a credit card with my name on it,” he quipped.

Published on March 21, 2013 at 11:53 am

Contact Michael: mjcohe02@syr.edu | @Michael_Cohen13