There’s just one month left in the regular season, and the clock is starting to run out for Syracuse basketball. Read more for a full Syracuse vs Pittsburgh prediction and preview.
Can Syracuse split its series against Pittsburgh, and pick up a much-needed road win? Syracuse’s spot in the ACC Tournament is becoming less likely with every game it’s lost in the last three weeks. If the Orange want to clinch a seed in the postseason, winning as many games as possible against repeat the opponents remaining is vital.
Game information:
Teams: Syracuse (11-15, 5-10) at Pitt (15-10, 6-8)
Tip-off: 7 p.m. EST
Watch: ACC Network
Latest on Pittsburgh basketball:
The Panthers have lost eight of their last 11 games, placing them in 10th in the ACC. However, Pitt picked up a win over Miami on Saturday, 74-65.
Pitt has three players that average at least ten points, two of which average 16 points per game — Ishmael Leggett and Jaland Lowe. Leggett and Lowe combined for 38 points in the 77-73 win over Syracuse a few months ago.
Pitt likes to shoot inside the paint, sitting around 45% from the field this season. The Panthers are 11-3 at home this season, with wins over UNC, Virginia and Miami all inside the Peterson Events Center. This particular team has created a stout defense, currently second in the ACC for blocks and inside the top five for steals.
Latest on Syracuse basketball:
The Orange lost their most recent game to UNC on Saturday afternoon, dropping their home contest in the final minutes of regulation. Syracuse hasn’t won back-to-back ACC wins since playing Georgia Tech and Boston College back in early January.
Syracuse announced pregame that Elijah Moore won’t play against Pitt due to a right leg injury. He averages 5.2 points per game, starting in the last 12 games.
The Orange are quickly losing their opportunity at an ACC Tournament spot, sitting in the bottom five of the conference rankings. Though Syracuse’s rebounding efforts — averaging 38 per game — remains a plus-3 margin, the Orange have struggled from the free throw line in a handful of games and haven’t found a way to secure wins late.
The clock is ticking, and every game counts if Syracuse wants to book its flight to Charlotte.