Pitt vs Syracuse: Game Info, Odds, Three Storylines

The Pitt Panthers will face Syracuse in a Senior Night matchup with extra juice.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers are expecting one of the biggest and most energetic home crowds of the season to surround them this afternoon as they welcome rival Syracuse to the Petersen Events Center. 

There is both recent and not-so-recent history that had added extra energy to a rivalry that has been built on the merit of it's own tremendous basketball played in high-stakes environments. The Orange and Panthers will etch another fascinating chapter into their storied history tonight. 

Game Info

Opponent: Syracuse (16-12 overall, 9-8 ACC)
Time: 5:00 PM EST
Location: Petersen Events Center; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Broadcast: ACC Network and 93.7 The Fan

Odds

Pitt is a 6-point favorite over the Orange. The Panthers' moneyline odds sit at -250 while Syracuse is at +200. The point total line has been set at 144.5. 

Three Storylines

Hostile Environment Awaits Orange

The crowd that will greet Syracuse at the Petersen Events Center on Saturday afternoon will be one of the most intimidating the Orange will face all season. For just the second time since 2019, the Pete is sold out to watch the Panthers take on a long-standing rival. 

Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim manufactured an increased interest in this contest, which already pits historic enemies against one another. His claim that Pitt "bought" its current transfer-laden roster - a claim he since walked back and apologized for - has been brushed off by Pitt head coach Jeff Capel but the fans did not forget. Their energy has been reflected in the sold out Senior Night crowd and one of the most energetic crowds the Petersen Events Center has seen this year is expected.  

He's Not A Freshman Anymore

Judah Mintz is one of the best freshman in the ACC, if not college basketball altogether. His quick hands have vaulted him to the top of the conference steals leaderboard and his athleticism makes him a spectacular driver and finisher. Recently, Mintz has added another dimension to his offensive game that has Capel worried. 

"Judah's not a freshman anymore," Capel said. "One of the big differences is that over the last two games he's six for six from three. That's a little scary because it was something you could have slacked off on him for a little bit. Now, with the way he's shot the ball, you have to maybe get up on him more and that opens up where he's already terrific as a driver."

Own the Zone

In their first game against the Orange and their trademark 2-3 zone defense, the Panthers made enough shots to render it futile. Pitt made 13 triples on 40.6% shooting from deep - a fact that starting point guard Nelly Cummings, who made six 3-pointers that night - attributed to tremendous ball movement. The Panthers assisted on 20 of 28 made field goals - an assist rate of 71% that is a good target for them to aim at in this second meeting. 

Capel added that Pitt, who out-rebounded the Orange 44-35 in the first meeting, will still have to improve their work on the boards this time around. He thought the Panthers let up too many offensive rebounds (15 to be exact), which allowed Syracuse to battle back from a deficit as large as 20. Avoiding turnovers, which led to 26 points for their opponents in the first meeting between these two, will also be key for Pitt. 

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