Orange basketball bounces back from blowout loss

Syracuse needed this win.

After an abysmal 103-67 loss against No.7 UNC on Saturday, the Orange had to respond.

SU took down Pitt 69-58 Tuesday behind an efficient shooting night. As a team, SU shot 47% from the field and a season-high 59% from behind the arc. 

Here are three takeaways from the Orange’s victory.

Pitt’s house of bricks

While Syracuse enjoyed a strong shooting night, Pitt struggled to convert chances. 

The Panthers finished with a 35% team shooting percentage and a dismal 19% three-point conversion rate. 

Coming into the game, all eyes were on Pitt forward Blake Hinson. The senior entered the matchup as the ACC’s fourth highest scorer, just behind SU sophomore guard Judah Mintz. Hinson, however, failed to live up to his leading-scorer role. 

A head-scratching three-point attempt from near the Pitt logo loudly clanked off the rim just three minutes into the second half, summing up Hinson’s night.

The forward was just 4-of-17, including only two makes from beyond the arc in 11 shots. 

To make up for his poor shooting performance, Hinson instead played the role of agitator. SU sophomore Quadir Copeland and Hinson had to be separated in the second half after a loose ball scrum.

The senior and SU junior forward Benny Williams were both given technical fouls for their roles in the scuffle.

Playing the villain 

Every time Mintz touched the ball, he was met by a chorus of boos by the Pitt crowd. The role of antagonist seemed to suit him well.

Though he only shot 3-of-13 from the field, the sophomore finished with 14 points, getting to the free throw line in typical Judah Mintz fashion. 

The ball handler found success in ways other than scoring, tallying nine rebounds, five assists and two steals in 39 minutes of play. The constant heckling from Pitt fans dug deeper than simple school rivalry.

Originally committed to Pitt out of Oak Hill Academy in Maryland, Mintz reopened his recruitment and later signed with SU.

A needed road win

With the win, SU picked up its first road ACC win under head coach Adrian Autry. 

In its three previous road matches, Syracuse lost by a combined 78 points to in-conference opponents. This win proves that the Orange can win on the road against ACC competition. 

Fortunately for the Orange, they play only one more road game – at Boston College to end the regular season – leaving the rest of their ACC schedule to be played at the JMA Wireless Dome. 

The victory does not only boost morale for SU players after a tough previous outing, but also provides ramifications for March.

The win gives Syracuse its first Quad 1 win of the season, a massive step forward for any Orange postseason dreams.

After an up-and-down road trip, Syracuse returns home to face Miami on Saturday. Tip off is set for 12 pm.