Panthers Close Out Orange, 68-64

Monday, February 14

Syracuse, NY

7:00 p.m. (ESPN)

Syracuse University

Pittsburgh

Louie McCroskey had a career-high 18 points and seven rebounds.

2/14/2005 10:52:00 PM | Men's Basketball

SYRACUSE, NY -- #17/15 Pittsburgh (18-4, 8-3) outscored #9/9 Syracuse (22-4, 9-3) 18-6 over the final 6:58 of play to overcome an eight-point deficit and beat the Orange in the Carrier Dome, 68-64. The victory earned the Panthers a season sweep of Syracuse and also gave Pittsburgh wins in six of the last eight series matchups with SU.

Syracuse led, 58-50, after Craig Forth converted a free throw with 6:58 remaining. The Panthers quickly responded with three three-pointers from Carl Krauser, three points from Chris Taft and a layup by Chevon Troutman that contributed to a 14-2 run and put Pittsburgh ahead, 64-60, with 54 seconds left. Troutman, who scored 16 of his 20 points from the free throw line, was a perfect four-for-four from the charity stripe in the final minute.

Louie McCroskey had a career-high 18 points and seven rebounds, Gerry McNamara had 16 points, 10 assists and four steals and Hakim Warrick had 12 points for the Orange.

After Syracuse took the early 4-0 advantage, Pittsburgh answered back with nine of its first 12 points coming off three-pointers. Pittsburgh took its largest lead of the game at the 13:25 mark when it went ahead, 14-8. The Orange went on an 11-2 run during the next 2:41, including seven-straight from McCroskey, to retake the lead, 19-16. Troutman's four-of-four performance from the foul line during the final 1:13 of the half, gave Pittsburgh a one-point halftime advantage, 29-28.

Troutman led Pittsburgh with 20 points and 10 rebounds while teammate Chris Taft added 14 points and 10 boards and Carl Krauser had 15 points.

Syracuse travels to Boston College on Saturday, Feb. 19 for a 6:00 p.m. tip with Eagles.