February 21, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange coach Adrian Autry watches the second half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Image Syracuse and Pitt wrapped up disappointing regular seasons Saturday when the Orange hosted the Panthers in ACC action.
The Orange (15-15, 6-11 ACC) are limping to the finish line on a four-game losing streak, including a 77-62 loss against Louisville on Tuesday. Naithan George scored 16 points and Nate Kingz had 14, but Syracuse went just 4 of 19 on 3-pointers and finished with more turnovers (11) than assists (8).
Donnie Freeman and JJ Starling, the Orange’s two top scorers this season, combined for just 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting. Freeman has failed to score in double figures in three of his last four games, while Starling has scored in single digits in four of his last five games.
“This group has always responded (to the ups and downs of the season), and I expect them to respond again,” Syracuse coach Adrian Autry said.
Pitt (11-19, 4-13) has faced plenty of adversity of its own, losing seven of its last nine games. Most recently, the team fell 75-74 to Florida State despite 26 points and 10 rebounds from Barry Dunning Jr. and 10 points and 10 assists from Damarco Minor.
“Those two guys showed up every day,” Pitt coach Jeff Kapell said. “They had a good attitude about things. I think each of them grew as young men and as players. Even though the season didn’t go the way we thought it would, I think they enjoyed their experience here.”
Dunning and Minor struggled in their first game against Syracuse this season, totaling just 13 points on 6-of-17 shooting (1 of 10 from 3-point range). The Panthers shot 5 of 26 from long range as a team on the day and lost 83-72 at home.
Freeman had 22 points and Starling had 19 for the Orange, who had lost five of their previous seven meetings with the Panthers.
“If we shoot 3-pointers (10 of 22) and lock ourselves in defensively, we’re going to give ourselves a chance almost every game,” Autry said after the win.
–Field level media
