Syracuse beats Pittsburgh 69 58 for its second series victory in 17 days

PITTSBURGH (AP) — JJ Starling scored 17 points, Judah Mintz had 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists and Syracuse beat Pittsburgh 69 58 on Tuesday night for its second series victory in 17 days. It was Syracuse’s first win in Pittsburgh since a 72 49 victory on Feb. 26, 2020 — snapping a three game losing streak.

The Orange won the first meeting this season — at home — on Dec. 30. Syracuse had its 11 point halftime lead trimmed to 44 36 before scoring the next seven points to rebuild a double digit advantage. Pitt missed seven straight shots during the Orange's run. Freshman Jaland Lowe, averaging 5.4 points, scored eight straight Pitt points to get within 62 53 with 3:44 left.

But the Panthers didn't make another field goal until Federiko Federiko completed a three point play with 40 seconds remaining. Starling sealed it for Syracuse on a wide open 3 pointer from the corner with 1:31 left for a 16 point lead. Chris Bell, who entered averaging 11.7 points in three January games, added 10 points — all in the first half — for Syracuse (12 5, 3 3 ACC).

Maliq Brown made his third consecutive start in the absence of junior center Naheem McLeod, who was out due to a foot injury. Lowe finished with a season high 20 points for Pittsburgh (10 7, 1 5). Blake Hinson, averaging a team high 18.4 points, was held to 12 points on 4 of 17 shooting. Syracuse, which was coming off a 103 67 loss to No.

7 North Carolina, begins a three game homestand on Saturday against Miami. Pittsburgh starts a three game road swing on Saturday against No. 7 Duke. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. ___ AP college basketball: and.