Syracuse University
University of Pittsburgh
Win Streak Ends At Pitt
1/17/2011 8:23:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Syracuse 66, Pittsburgh 74
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – 3/3 Syracuse's (18-1, 5-1) eighteen game win streak came to an end with a 74-66 loss at 5/4 Pittsburgh (18-1, 6-0) on Monday at the Peterson Events Center. Freshman #C.J. Fair# turned in a career-best effort with 16 points and nine rebounds to lead the Orange.
Syracuse overcame a 19-0 deficit to start the game and responded with a 17-0 run of its own. Pittsburgh scored 19 unanswered points to start the game, with its first nine points coming from junior Nasir Robinson. The Orange opened the night shooting 0-10 from the floor. Junior Scoop Jardine ended SU's drought at the 11:59 mark with a three-pointer and started a 17-0 run by the Orange.
Fair provided a boost off the bench for Syracuse with six points during that run. The Orange defense held the Panthers scoreless for more than six minutes until Pitt's Gilbert Brown snapped the run with a shot from behind the arc. Senior Rick Jackson had three blocks to help SU stop Pittsburgh's momentum. The Panthers held a 31-27 advantage at the break.
The Orange started strong in the second half and a three-pointer by Jardine brought SU within one, 35-34. A trifecta by James Southerland tied the game for the first time, 41-41, at the 13:51 mark. The Panthers responded with a 7-0 run that gave Pitt its largest lead of the second half, 51-44.
SU was forced to apply full court pressure down the stretch. Freshman Dion Waiters caused a turnover that resulted in a three point play by Fair and SU trailed 55-51 with 7:41 remaining in regulation. Pitt scored seven unanswered points to take a 64-53 lead at the 5:44 mark.
With 1:07 left on the clock, Brandon Triche nailed a three-pointer to bring SU within five, 67-62. The Panthers made 5-of-7 free throws in the final minute to produce the final score of 74-66.
Jackson recorded his third consecutive double-double and 12th on the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Jardine finished with 12 points, while Triche added 11.
Syracuse was without its leading scorer Kris Joseph who did not travel due to a head injury sustained during a win against Cincinnati on Saturday. Southerland started in place of Joseph and had eight points, four assists and two blocks for the Orange.
Pittsburgh, led by head coach Jamie Dixon, was paced by Robinson's 21 points and seven rebounds.
Syracuse will welcome 7/7 Villanova to the Carrier Dome on Jan. 22 at 12 p.m. Syracuse fans can catch the Orange against the Wildcats on ESPN. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone at 888-DOMETIX or in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office during normal business hours. For additional information, fans can contact the Carrier Dome Box Office toll free 888-366-3849 or 315-443-2121.
