Syracuse Falls to No. 19 Pitt, Ends Road Trip with a Loss
The Syracuse Orange men's basketball team concluded their road trip with a tough loss, falling to the No. 19 ranked Pittsburgh Panthers 79-68 at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh. The loss extends Syracuse's losing streak to two games, leaving them with a 13-9 overall record and a 5-6 mark in the ACC.
A Tight First Half
The game started out tight, with both teams trading baskets early on. The Panthers, led by the strong play of Blake Hinson and Jamarius Burton, held a slight advantage at the half, 38-36. Jesse Edwards was the leading scorer for Syracuse in the first half, contributing 12 points.
Pitt Pulls Away in the Second Half
The second half saw the Panthers take control, outscoring the Orange 41-32. Hinson continued to be a dominant force for Pitt, finishing with a game-high 27 points, while Burton added 20 points. Edwards led Syracuse with 18 points, while Judah Mintz contributed 17.
Syracuse Struggles From Beyond the Arc
The Orange struggled mightily from three-point range, shooting just 15.4% (2-13) from beyond the arc. This lack of outside shooting opened up the paint for Pitt, allowing them to control the tempo and dictate the game.
Looking Ahead
The Orange will return home to the JMA Wireless Dome for a matchup against the Boston College Eagles on Wednesday, February 8th. This game presents an opportunity for Syracuse to bounce back from their recent losses and get back on track in the ACC.
Key Takeaways
- Syracuse struggled with outside shooting: The Orange were unable to generate consistent offense from three-point range, which hampered their offensive efficiency.
- Pitt's strong inside presence: The Panthers dominated the paint, exploiting Syracuse's weakness in rebounding and interior defense.
- The importance of momentum: The Panthers' ability to build momentum in the second half allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead and secure the victory.
Syracuse will need to address these weaknesses and improve their overall execution to find success moving forward in the ACC. The game against Boston College will be a critical test for the Orange as they aim to secure a winning record in conference play.