Christmas Double-Double Not Enough At Pitt

Saturday, February 7

Pittsburgh, PA

4:00 p.m.

Syracuse University

(15-8, 6-4ACC)

Pittsburgh

(16-8, 5-5ACC)

Syracuse

PITT

2/7/2015 6:22:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Orange effort falls short as Panthers win, 83-77

PITTSBURGH, PA -- Rakeem Christmas had a game-high 23 points and 12 rebounds but it was not enough as Pittsburgh prevailed at home, 83-77.

Michael Gbinije shared scoring honors with 23 points and Trevor Cooney added 12 points and five assists for the Orange. Christmas, who was 9-of-13 from the field and 5-of-8 from the free-throw line, also had six blocked shots in 40 minutes of work.

Jamel Artis had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Sheldon Jeter had 18 points and Michael Young had 13 points and 11 boards for Pittsburgh.

Syracuse jumped out early, thanks in part to its board effort. Trevor Cooney opened the scoring with a 3-pointer, the Orange grabbed the first seven misses of the half, and Syracuse led 9-2.

After Pittsburgh battled back within three, 20-17, the Orange used a 7-0 run to push its advantage to a half-high 10 at 27-17. The Panthers tied the game at 38-38 before Tyler Roberson gave the Orange a 40-38 halftime margin with a dunk.

Michael Gbinije helped Syracuse to a strong first-half showing, tallying 13 points in the opening 20 minutes of play. Rakeem Christmas was effective as well with 10 points and four blocks.

Pittsburgh got back into the game by outscoring the Orange from the foul line 10-to-4 and on second-chance points, 13-7, in the opening period. James Robinson had 13 of the Pitt points, including three 3-point baskets.

The Orange had a great second-half start as well, extending its margin to six in the first four minutes. Christmas had two baskets in a 9-5 stretch that enabled Syracuse to move ahead, 49-43.

Pittsburgh retaliated quickly, tying the score after back-to-back threes from Chris Jones. Kaleb Joseph helped the Orange move back in front with two free throws and a 3-pointer. Tyler Roberson's free throw made it 58-53Syracuse with 11:02 remaining. Consecutive baskets from Josh Newkirk, Jeter and Artis gave the Panthers a 59-58 edge with just under 10 minutes left.

Neither team gained more than a three-point advantage until the final two minutes. A Jeter jumper gave Pittsburgh a 77-73 lead. Christmas answered with two free throws but Artis put the Panthers up five with a 3-pointer. The hosts lead the rest of the way.

Notes: Christmas scored in double digits for the 22^nd time in 23 games . . . Cooney tied his career-best effort with five assists . . .In a game that featured eight ties and nine lead changes, Syracuse managed to hold an advantage for 31 of 40 minutes.. . . Syracuse plays a second consecutive road game when it travels to take on Boston College on February 11.