Syracuse Beaten by #11/10 Gonzaga

Tuesday, November 21

Honolulu, HI

2:30 PM

Syracuse University

3-2,0-0ACC

Gonzaga University

3-1,0-0WCC

Syracuse

Gonzaga

11/21/2023 4:31:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Highlights Press Conference Photo Gallery

Syracuse was defeated by a ranked opponent for the second straight day, losing to #11/10 Gonzaga, 76-57, on Tuesday in the Maui Invitational. Sophomore Judah Mintz had a squad-leading 22 points, his fourth 20-plus point showing in five games.

Sophomore J.J. Starling scored nine of his 15 points after halftime. Naheem McLeod tied his season-best effort with seven points, all in the final 20 minutes.

WHEN THE GAME WAS DECIDED
Gonzaga scored the first seven points and 22-of-the-first-30, and never trailed. The Orange managed to get within six points in the second half but were unable to get closer.

BULLDOGS RUNNING START
Gonzaga asserted itself in the lane early and outscored Syracuse in the paint, 30-10, in the opening period. With the Bulldogs leading by 14-points, Syracuse rallied with a seven-point run sparked by a Chris Bell 3-pointer and followed up by two layups from Judah Mintz. The spurt shaved the Bulldogs' lead to eight, 27-19.

The Orange were held without a field goal for a span of 4:01 minutes late in the first half before a layup from J.J. Starling cut the deficit to single digits again at 31-22. After a six-point run to end the period, Gonzaga went into the intermission ahead, 39-25.

SECOND HALF RETALIATION
Mintz directed a comeback, scoring 10 of Syracuse's first 12 points after the break to bring the Orange within eight, 45-37. Sophomore Maliq Brown keyed an 8-3 Orange run with a dunk that brought Syracuse closer at 51-45.

The Bulldogs sealed the win with a 19-2 run over a 6:26 minute-span late in the second half.

DIFFERENCE IN THE PAINT
The Bulldogs out rebounded the Orange by a 48-28 margin and had a 25-8 advantage on second-chance points.

NOTABLE NUMBERS

The Orange now have a 9-2 record in the Maui Invitational.
Syracuse ceded its first loss in three games with Gonzaga.
The Bulldogs held the Orange to 3-of-14 from the field and 1-of-6 from long range in the first eight minutes.
Junior center Naheem McLeod blocked four shots. He now has four straight contests with at least three blocks.
Mintz scored 12 of his 22 points in the second half.
Syracuse forced 18 Gonzaga turnovers and finished with 11 steals and 5 blocks.

UP NEXT
Syracuse plays Chaminade in its third game in Honolulu. Tipoff is for 9:30 p.m. EST and the game will be televised on ESPNU.

TICKETS
Syracuse men's basketball tickets are available online (cuse.com/tickets), by phone (1-888-DOMETIX), and at the Dome Box Office (Gate B).

For complete coverage of Syracuse men's basketball, follow the team on Twitter (@Cuse_MBB) and Instagram (@cuse_mbb).