Syracuse men’s basketball (11-16, 5-11 ACC) came out strong Tuesday night, building a 16-point lead midway through the first half behind a season-best three-point shooting performance, but Pittsburgh (16-10, 7-8 ACC) stormed back in the second half to secure an 80-69 victory at the Petersen Events Center.
Chris Bell led the Orange with a season-high 23 points, knocking down seven three-pointers. Syracuse hit a season-best 14 threes, their most in a game since January 2022. J.J. Starling added three triples, helping the Orange to a 41-34 halftime advantage after making nine first-half threes.
Pittsburgh erased the deficit with a strong second half, taking the lead for good at 58-56 with 9:28 remaining after an Ishmael Leggett three-pointer. Despite Bell answering with a triple to cut the gap to four, Syracuse couldn’t regain control as the Panthers pulled away in the final minutes.
GAME RECAP LINKS
- Syracuse crumbles in 2nd half en route to 80-69 loss to Pitt (DailyOrange.com)
- Syracuse Makes 14 Triples In Loss To Pittsburgh (Cuse.com)
- Pittsburgh 80, Syracuse 69: Orange blow 16-point lead, drop third straight game (NunesMagician.com)
- Observations from SU’s defeat to Pitt: Early turnovers, 3s galore (DailyOrange.com)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
ADRIAN AUTRY’S POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Syracuse is hanging on the bubble of the ACC Tournament. But you know what? Even if they make it, just decline the bid and end this season as soon as possible. SU is off until next Wednesday. Maybe we could all use the break. Who's still around watching when they come back?
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) February 19, 2025
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
