8 takeaways from Syracuse’s 81-73 win over Pittsburgh

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Game turns on rebounding…

Rebounding, specifically the difference in the two halves, was a major deciding factor in this game.

Pitt led by eight points and seven rebounds at halftime, owning a 22-15 advantage in the latter statistic. More concerning for the Orange was that the Panthers had a 45.0 percent offensive rebounding rate, grabbing nine of those compared to 11 defensive rebounds for SU and turning them into eight points (the top offensive rebounding rate in the nation on the season is 45.1 percent). The guests also grabbed 13 of 17 boards on their defensive end.

Things flipped in the second half, as Syracuse had a 25-17 overall advantage on the glass as part of their 51-35 performance on the scoreboard. The Orange negated Pitt’s success on the offensive glass, allowing them just five boards out of a potential 25 on that end for just a 20.0 offensive rebounding rate (the lowest nationally coming into the day was 17.9 percent).

… and turnovers.

Another statistical oddity showed in the turnover category. Pitt came into the game one of the best teams in the country protecting the ball, giving it up on just 11.7 percent of their possessions. The Orange, who came into the day forcing turnovers on 18.0 percent of opponent possessions, forced ten first half turnovers on 36 Pitt possessions, good for a 27.8 percent rate.

Things normalized in the second half, as Pitt committed just five miscues on 38 second half possessions, good for a 13.2 percent mark. That difference in turnovers between the two halves, when combined with SU’s overall scoring advantage after halftime, underlines how vital Syracuse’s second half rebounding was to their win. Their work on the glass simply eliminated Pitt scoring…

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Author : The Juice Online

Publish date : 2023-12-31 04:21:55

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