J.J. Starling and Judah Mintz lead SU back to winning ways

Sophomore guards J.J. Starling and Judah Mintz led Syracuse men’s basketball to a 77-65 win over the NC State Wolfpack.

Starling scored 26 and Mintz 20 as the Orange once again defended home court, just a few days after losing at the Dome for the first time in the season. The game also featured a ceremony for Syracuse basketball legend Dave Bing.

The Orange got to an early lead in the first half following a defensive effort that saw the Wolfpack only score 22 points. Mintz led the way for the home team in this department, as he totaled four steals in the game, while the team combined for 10 and forced 14 turnovers.

Despite struggling to shoot consistently in the first 20 minutes of play, only shooting 37% from the field, their focus on defense and ability to get out on the break proved to be a determining factor.

The second half saw an improved Wolfpack go from a 21% effort from the field to a 47% shooting team.

However, the Orange would also find their form, turning up with a 57% performance from the field to counter a push from NC State.

The Wolfpack managed to cut the lead down to single-digits in the final minutes, but it was too late and one final push from Starling closed the door.

The highlight of the evening was the induction of men’s basketball great Dave Bing into Syracuse’s Ring of Honor. In a ceremony held at halftime, Bing was awarded with a jacket to commemorate his induction.

The ceremony featured names from Bing’s time at SU, including former teammate Jim Boeheim, as well as his family.

At SU, Bing led the program to the NCAA Tournament from 1965-67. He was also a consensus first-team All-American pick in 1966 and third-team in ’65. He went on to become a three-time All-NBA player, seven-time NBA All-Star, Naismith Hall of Fame member, and was named to both the 50th and 75th NBA anniversary teams.

The Orange next go on the road to play Boston College on Tuesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.