Talk about two close calls. Syracuse escapes two late February games victorious, but it wasn’t easy. The Orange led by a large margin at halftime in both games this past week, but let their foot off the gas in the second half.
Syracuse beat NC State 88-85 on Tuesday on the road. SU led by 15 points at the break after forward Chris Bell tied his career-high clip from downtown in the first half with eight three-pointers. The Orange went on to give up the lead with three minutes left in the game, but regained it thanks to clutch free throws from Judah Mintz and Quadir Copeland.
Mintz was the x-factor in that second half.
The sophomore scored all 15 of his points in the latter half of the game. Mintz scored a layup to get the advantage back and then closed the game with two free throws to put the Orange up by four and earn the victory.
Saturday was much of the same. 25,194 filled the Dome for “Jim Boeheim Day.” The former Syracuse legendary head coach made his second appearance at college basketball’s largest stadium since retiring at the end of last season.
This time, SU led by 20 at halftime just four days later. The Orange shot 61% from the floor and made five three-pointers in the first half. It was a team effort with Mintz, JJ Starling, and Chris Bell all possessing double-digit points after the opening frame.
Syracuse led by 29 with 2:15 remaining in the first 20 minutes. That lead dwindled down throughout the second half.
Notre Dame couldn’t miss.
The Fighting Irish made three triples in the final three minutes of the game to cut its deficit all the way down to three. Syracuse held on as Chris Bell hit two free throws in the final seconds to secure the win.
The Orange still shot 53% in the second half, however the Irish made 62% of their shots and 10 three-pointers in the second half.
Syracuse has won three of its last four, and escaped a 22-degree sunny day in the Salt City without blowing a gigantic lead in front of its legendary former head coach.
