Pitt (12-6, 3-4) aims to put an end to a four-game losing streak when it takes on Syracuse (9-10, 3-5) today at the JMA Wireless Dome. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
We'll use this thread for in-game discussion in the comments, but for now, here are a few notes ahead of the game:
• In the midst of their first four-game skid since the end of the 2021-22 season, the Panthers will look to build off some of the positive things they did the last time out against Clemson. Despite falling short in overtime, Pitt showed some fight in rallying from a 10-point halftime deficit that swelled to 14 points in the second half. They also put together a better performance on the glass, as they were narrowly out-rebounded by a 32-30 margin while totaling 14 offensive rebounds. This time around the Panthers need to continue making strides on the boards, get out to a better start and compete for a full 40 minutes.
• JalandLowe acknowledged Thursday that there is another level he can take his game to. The Panthers would certainly benefit from that. Lowe is still Pitt's leading scorer, as well as the eighth-ranked scorer in the ACC at 17.3 points per game, but he's experienced some struggles over the course of this losing streak. He's shooting just 37% (19 for 51) from the field and 28% (5 for 18) from three-point range over that span. On the bright side, he's still the best free-throw shooter in the conference and one of the best in the country. He's converted on 26 of 27 attempts from the free-throw line over the last three games. That includes a 13-for-13 showing against Louisville on Jan. 11.
• Syracuse is back on its home floor after suffering an 86-72 loss on the road to Clemson on Wednesday night. The Orange, who completed a season sweep of the Panthers in 2023-24, are led by 6-4 junior guard JJStarling, who has been limited to just 12 games this season due to injury. He's averaging 19 points per game and is coming off a 25-point performance against Clemson. Starling, a 46% shooter this season, has reached double figures in five of his six games since returning to the lineup and is averaging 18.2 PPG over that span.
• The Panthers also have to be aware of Eddie Lampkin Jr. (10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds per game), a 6-11 center who fell short of a fifth straight double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds against Clemson. Safe to say Pitt's ability to win the rebounding battle will be tested there.
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THE ASYLUM
José Negron
8:00 am - 01.25.2025DowntownPitt-Syracuse preview
Pitt (12-6, 3-4) aims to put an end to a four-game losing streak when it takes on Syracuse (9-10, 3-5) today at the JMA Wireless Dome. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
We'll use this thread for in-game discussion in the comments, but for now, here are a few notes ahead of the game:
• In the midst of their first four-game skid since the end of the 2021-22 season, the Panthers will look to build off some of the positive things they did the last time out against Clemson. Despite falling short in overtime, Pitt showed some fight in rallying from a 10-point halftime deficit that swelled to 14 points in the second half. They also put together a better performance on the glass, as they were narrowly out-rebounded by a 32-30 margin while totaling 14 offensive rebounds. This time around the Panthers need to continue making strides on the boards, get out to a better start and compete for a full 40 minutes.
• Jaland Lowe acknowledged Thursday that there is another level he can take his game to. The Panthers would certainly benefit from that. Lowe is still Pitt's leading scorer, as well as the eighth-ranked scorer in the ACC at 17.3 points per game, but he's experienced some struggles over the course of this losing streak. He's shooting just 37% (19 for 51) from the field and 28% (5 for 18) from three-point range over that span. On the bright side, he's still the best free-throw shooter in the conference and one of the best in the country. He's converted on 26 of 27 attempts from the free-throw line over the last three games. That includes a 13-for-13 showing against Louisville on Jan. 11.
• Syracuse is back on its home floor after suffering an 86-72 loss on the road to Clemson on Wednesday night. The Orange, who completed a season sweep of the Panthers in 2023-24, are led by 6-4 junior guard JJ Starling, who has been limited to just 12 games this season due to injury. He's averaging 19 points per game and is coming off a 25-point performance against Clemson. Starling, a 46% shooter this season, has reached double figures in five of his six games since returning to the lineup and is averaging 18.2 PPG over that span.
• The Panthers also have to be aware of Eddie Lampkin Jr. (10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds per game), a 6-11 center who fell short of a fifth straight double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds against Clemson. Safe to say Pitt's ability to win the rebounding battle will be tested there.
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