GALLERY: Orange Win Fifth-Straight Contest in ACC Home Opener
Over 20,000 fans packed inside the JMA Wireless Dome Saturday afternoon. JJ Starling and Judah Mintz celebrating an alley-oop fastbreak slam.Benny Williams had multiple emphatic dunks against Pitt.Judah Mintz connecting on a three-pointer in the second half. Maliq Brown had his second-straight 15-point performance off the bench. Pittsburgh Head Coach Jeff Chapel frustrated with his team during a Syracuse run in the second half. Freshman Carlton Carrington dropped a team-high 17 points for the Panthers. JJ Starling looks at his teammates after putting Cuse back in front.Quadir Copeland iced the game with made free-throws in the final minute of regulation. Syracuse Head Coach Red Autry arguing with an official’s call in the first half before receiving a technical.Forward Blake Hinson airballs a three from the top of the key in a 3-12 shooting performance. Quadir Copeland hyping up the crowd after the 81-73 win over Pitt.JJ Starling setting up the Cuse offense late in the first half. Reserve William Jeffress awaiting to inbound the ball under the basket.Benny Williams rising over Blake Hinson for a contested mid-range jumper. Head Coach Red Autry said postgame how Saturday’s crowd “reminded him of the Dome when he was a player.”Even though Judah Mintz had just 12 points for SU, he did have a game-high five assists. Federiko Federiko crediting Carlton Carrington for his pass creating an easy layup. Pitt’s bench was outscored 52-17 against Cuse. JJ Starling and Justin Taylor helping up Maliq Brown after getting fouled hard. Chris Bell attempts a corner three in the first half. Kyle Cuffe Jr. fights for a loose ball and awaits the referee’s call.Naheem McLeod went 2-2 from the line and had four blocks in nine minutes on the floor. Leading scorer Judah Mintz continues to be the go-to option for SU offensively, but the sophomore guard doesn’t have to carry the load himself.
