Tyler Ennis hit a three-pointer as time expired to shatter the upset dreams of the Pittsburgh Panthers as the Syracuse Orange stayed undefeated with a 58-56 win on Wednesday.
Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh recap: Tyler Ennis’ game winner keeps Orange perfect, 58-56
Syracuse just barely stayed undefeated on Wednesday night.
The final minute went back and forth with big free throws as the two teams traded the lead. Lamar Patterson missed a layup with 15 seconds left and Ennis went coast-to-coast to draw a foul with 10 seconds left. He hit both free throws to give Syracuse a one-point lead, its first lead in 34 minutes. The Panthers brought it back up the floor and Talib Zanna drew a foul with 4.4 seconds remaining. Zanna hit both free throws to put Pittsburgh back up by one.
Ennis ran down the floor as time expired, pulled up and hit a three for the win despite there being a Pittsburgh defender in his face.
The Syracuse defense had Pittsburgh on lockdown, but for just as many players making big plays for Syracuse, Pittsburgh had a response. Zanna finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds, picking up seven important offensive boards in the process. Patterson added 14 for the Panthers.
It just wasn't quite enough for Pittsburgh. C.J. Fair had a bit night for Syracuse, who had trouble putting together a consistent offensive momentum. Fair scored eight straight points as the second half winded down to put Syracuse back in the game.
It was the first loss against a top-5 team for Pittsburgh in the Petersen Events Center. The Panthers are now 9-1 when the best come to town.
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