Syracuse leads the all-time series with Pittsburgh, winning both games versus their long-time foe last season. Both teams are coming off losses to Clemson, with Pittsburgh’s home loss in overtime, while Syracuse bowed out early in a 14 point road loss.
Teams: Syracuse (9-10, 3-5) and Clemson (12-6, 3-4)
Tip-off: 12:30 p.m. EST
Watch: ESPN2
Listen: Syracuse Sports Network/ WCCP 105.5 FM
Pittsburgh currently sits in 9th place in the ACC standings, at 3-4, with four straight losses after starting 3-0 in conference play. These games have come against the cream of the ACC crop, with losses against the current Top 3 ACC teams and a frisky FSU squad.
The Panthers get it done on the offensive side of things in a pretty solid fashion. Pittsburgh nets over 80 points per game, good for Top 60 in Division I. They also can shoot beyond the arc, currently sitting at a clip of 36%, Top 80 in the nation. The best free throw percentage in the ACC, at 79.1%, also can win them games.
Pittsburgh brings over a two headed monster from the Steel City: Jaland Lowe (sophomore guard averaging 17.3 points a game), and Ishmael Leggett (Rhode Island transfer and senior guard averaging 16.6 points a game). They’ve led Pittsburgh to an 11-1 record in Quad 2-4 games in the NET ranking system, but only 1-5 in the toughest Quad 1 games.
If Syracuse can’t stop the two headed monster, look for Pittsburgh to end their four-game skid in Central New York.
Syracuse basketball had won three of their last four games, until they went to Clemson on Wednesday night.
Starling tried his best to efficiently get the Orange the upset. But he needed some help, especially in the first half. Starling had 18 alone, and he averages 17 A GAME. But the Tigers still led 48-29 at the break. A late comeback attempt made the score somewhat respectable in an 86-72 loss. Lampkin was the only other player in double figures.
Syracuse shot 54% from the field, and 52% from three. It really was a bright spot for a team that has not had much offensive success this season, especially in conference play. But you can’t beat Clemson at their own game. The Tigers found a way to shoot 56% from the field, and get to the free throw line 15 times more than Syracuse.
If Starling can efficiently score, get some offensive help from his teammates, and avoid getting Pittsburgh to the free throw line, Syracuse has a chance at securing their first Quad 1 or 2 win of the season.
If Syracuse can limit Lowe and Leggett’s scoring output, this game could go either way. It also is a rivalry game on an early Saturday in the Dome… But we just can’t see that happening after their porous defensive performance against Clemson last week. Pitt ends their skid and Syracuse continues to look for answers.
