JJ Starling helps Syracuse top Pittsburgh

Field Level Media|published: Tue 16th January, 21:31 2024

Jan 16, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Chris Bell (4) dunks the ball on a breakaway against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. credits: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

JJ Starling had 17 points and three rebounds to help visiting Syracuse top Pittsburgh 69-58 on Tuesday to sweep the two-game regular-season series.

Judah Mintz added 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Orange (12-5, 3-3 ACC).

Blake Hinson and Carlton Carrington, the Panthers' two leading scorers this season, combined to shoot just 4-of-27 (14.8 percent) from the floor, including 2-for-18 from 3-point range. Pittsburgh led 20-14 with 10:20 remaining in the first half, but Syracuse answered with a 15-2 run.

Kyle Cuffe Jr., Quadir Copeland, and Mintz each knocked down three-pointers for Syracuse during that surge, which gave the Orange a 29-22 lead, the largest advantage of the game to that point.

William Jeffress provided the lone points for the Panthers (10-7, 1-5) during that stretch.

The Orange went into halftime with a 37-26 lead. Syracuse went 15-for-29 (51.7 percent) from the floor in the first 20 minutes, including 6-for-10 from beyond the arc.

The Panthers shot 10 for 30 (33.3 percent), including 4-for-14 from three-point range. They failed to make a field goal for the final 4:03 before halftime.

Starling knocked down a 3-pointer to open the second half, pushing the Orange's lead to 14 points. Benny Williams' jumper with 8:49 to go gave Syracuse a 16-point cushion. The Orange stretched their lead to 16 points once again after another Starling three-pointer with 1:31 left.

Jaland Lowe had a game-high 20 points and added three rebounds and three assists for the Panthers. Hinson had 12 points and eight boards, while Carrington was held scoreless.

—Field Level Media