Photos By: Katie Benoit
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Breaking their four-game losing streak, the Syracuse Orange returned to the Carrier Dome and defeated the Pittsburgh Panthers 59-45 on Tuesday night.
The Orange proved that they can overcome a shaken confidence, but not without revealing their hand. Messy passing, missed shots, and defensive holes forced a frenzied Coach Boeheim to rip off his jacket in frustration. Fortunately, Syracuse freshman Oshae Brissett gave a showy yet skillful performance that kept the fans feeling hopeful until the end.
Slow Start
Syracuse set an early precedent with the tip-off win and Frank Howard’s opening 3-pointer at the top of the key. However, that precedent was reversed when the team attempted to demonstrate their potential with early pressing against the Pittsburgh offense. The strong double team of Brissett and Paschal Chukwu was not enough to turn over the ball. The Orange struggled through multiple Pittsburgh shot attempts before finally seizing a rebound.
Brissett brought the crowd to their feet with a gazelle-like leap and a tomahawk dunk, and Pittsburgh guard Parker Stewart answered with his first of six 3-point field goals. Game play continued at a snail’s pace, and gave way to a long stretch without scoring from either side. Stewart broke the silence with his second 3-pointer and gave the Orange a reason to worry.
Coming Up Short
Veteran players Howard and Tyus Battle displayed the value in their consistent abilities, but made a few too many mistakes. Howard appeared to be throwing the ball around haphazardly, and Battle made only seven out of 16 attempted shots. Their sloppiness allowed Stewart to turn around and deliver his third 3-point shot, bringing the score closer as the half began to wind down.
Four out of five Pittsburgh starters were freshman, as evidenced by their ostentatiousness and lack of technical proficiency. Nevertheless, with five minutes left in the half, Syracuse lost the lead for the first time when Pittsburgh freshman Terrell Brown sank two free throws. On multiple occasions, the Panthers pushed the Syracuse defense to the time limit of the shot clock, providing the Orange with a tough challenge in retaking the lead.
With a strong rebound from Chukwu and an essential turnover from Bourama Sidibe, Syracuse regained momentum. Brissett and Howard contributed with two more points per player, and Battle hit a stylish 2-pointer as the buzzer signaled the end of the first half. With a big grin and a hop in his step, Battle swept the court in a way suggesting that the second half might bring better fortune.
Game of Halves
Syracuse started the next half with a 27-22 lead. Chukwu immediately asserted a strong defensive presence and gave Battle an opportunity to find the net.
The Pitt defense continued to push the Orange to make hasty shots as the shot clock timed out, and Battle redefined his strategy to accommodate for the Panthers’ aggression. With a strong drive toward the basket, Battle dodged three defenders for a 2-point shot. However, Stewart once again reminded fans with his fourth 3-pointer that he had not left the court.
Brissett smashed a 3 and flashed a cheeky smile at the crowd. However, he proceeded garishly in response to Stewart’s fifth 3-point shot, and missed an easy layup. The ball eventually made it back into Syracuse possession, but a messy pass from Howard went way over Chukwu’s head and out of bounds.
Strong Finish
Both sides saw another lengthy break in scoring. Off a pass from Marek Dolezaj, Battle resurfaced aggressively, launching his body into the key and looking for help from his teammates. Howard found his way to the ball and put another two points on the scoreboard.
With a necessary rebound from Brissett, an easy dunk from Chukwu assisted by Dolezaj, and eight more points and a turnover from Howard, the Orange regained some speed. At the three-minute mark, Battle began to run out the clock and followed with a drive to the hoop for two points. When the Panthers regained possession, the over-confident Orange left Stewart wide open. He retaliated with his sixth and final 3-pointer of the game.
Syracuse fit in eight more points to contest Pitt’s final efforts and claim the win. After the game, Coach Boeheim reflected on the match-up, noting that the saturation of freshmen players on both teams created a unique and unrefined competition.
“We need practice days,” Boeheim said. “This team more than any team I’ve ever had at this stage of the year. We really need some days of practice to make sure we understand what we’re trying to do.”
The Pittsburgh Panthers will stay on the road, taking on Duke this Saturday, January 20th, 2018 in Durham, N.C.
The Syracuse Orange return to the court on Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 to take on Boston College in the Carrier Dome.
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