Syracuse downs Pitt in Conference Clash

By: Jared Barton

SYRACUSE, NY– An offensive showcase complimented by solid defense led Syracuse to its second ACC victory on Saturday afternoon.

The Orange defeated the Pittsburgh Panthers 77-66 in a game that was heavily controlled by SU. Four different players scored in double digits including Andrew White, John Gillon, Tyus Battle and Tyler Lydon.

Gillon also had a double-double. His 20 points and team leading 11 assists cleared a path to victory for the Orange. Gillon assumed the starting point guard role a couple of games ago because of the struggling play from Frank Howard.

Syracuse shot an impressive 51.9% from behind the arc and from the field. The Orange also collected 29 rebounds and 17 assists. SU led by as much as 28 points around the five minute mark in the first half.

The offense wasn’t the only key factor to the victory. The defensive play from individuals like Tyler Roberson made a huge difference as well. Roberson finished the game with six blocks, which is a new career high.

The Orange held the Panthers to just 21 points at halftime which was the fewest amount of points scored by Pitt in any of the previous games. This was an eye-opening stat as Pittsburgh averages over 80 points a game so far this season.

Syracuse rolled with a shortened bench just like the victory in the previous game against Miami. Coach Boeheim used just six players, with Tyler Roberson coming off the bench. For the second straight game, Frank Howard and Dajuan Coleman did not see any playing time.

The victory moves Syracuse to 2-1 in ACC play and 10-6 overall. These two teams meet up once again at the Petersen Events Center on Saturday, February 11th. The Orange have a couple of games next week, including a date with the Virginia Tech Hokies in Blacksburg. Tip off for that contest is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:00pm.