Pitt’s Champagnie Spoils SU’s Chance at Revenge

By Tara Arya

CitrusTV Men’s Basketball Reporter

Entering the game, Syracuse (7-4, 1-3 Atlantic Coast) was hopeful of a chance at revenge after a 63-60 loss at home against Pittsburg (7-2, 3-1 Atlantic Coast) just ten days ago. However, Pittsburgh’s Justin Champagnie returned from a knee injury after only four weeks and was the X-Factor in the game.

In the first half, the Orange started strong on both sides of the court. SU got to a 9-1 start by holding Pitt to 0-9 on shooting, giving up just a free throw. However, the Panther’s offensive rebounding kept them in the game, thanks in large part to the return of Champagnie.

The Orange finished the first half up 37-32, but things quickly switched after the break. Pitt heated up, outscoring SU 52-32 in the second half.
Syracuse could not find a way to contain Champagnie on the glass and struggled offensively to get back into the game. The Orange gave up 34 points in the paint in the second half alone and couldn’t make up for their defensive woes as they shot 14-36 (2-12 from 3).

Alan Griffin had a career-high 28 points, but it just wasn’t enough to lift SU past Pitt. Joe Girard III’s offensive struggle also hurt the Orange, finishing the game with only 2 points on 0-4 shooting. The Panther’s 96 points are the most the team has ever scored against Syracuse.

Final: Syracuse 76 – Pitt 96. Syracuse falls to 7-4 for the season and 1-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They’ll look to bounce back Tuesday, January 19, at home against Miami.

Stats:
Alan Griffin: 28 points (career-high), 7 rebounds, 2 blocks
Quincy Guerrier: 18 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists
Marek Dolezaj: 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 assists
Buddy Boeheim: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists

taarya@syr.edu | @TaraArya98