NC State Falls To Syracuse, 75-72

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Graduate guard Jarkel Joiner posted the fifth triple-double in program history, but it was not enough as Syracuse defeated the 23^rd-ranked NC State men’s basketball team, 75-72, Tuesday evening at JMA Wireless Dome.

Joiner scored 15 points, had a career-high 11 assists and added 10 rebounds for the first triple-double of his career.

It’s the first triple-double for NC State since Markell Johnson had one against the The Citadel on Dec. 22, 2019.

DJ Burns added 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting for the Pack before fouling out. Jack Clark posted 15 points and eight rebounds off-the-bench while Terquavion Smith had 14 points and seven rebounds.

Syracuse led 35-31 at the half and still led 63-58 with 6:19 to play when NC State went on a 10-2 run to take a 68-65 lead on a Smith three-pointer with 3:46 to go.

The Pack led 70-67 when Judah Mintz hit a game-tying three-pointer with 2:42 to go. Jesse Edwards had a three-point play on the Orange’s next possession to put Syracuse back in front for good.

Burns had an and-one opportunity to tie the game, but missed the free throw. NC State forced a shotclock violation on Syracuse’s next possession, but Burns was called for an offensive foul with 49 seconds remaining and Syracuse made two free throws to finish the game’s scoring.

Mintz led Syracuse with 20 points and nine assists while Edwards finished with 18 points and 16 rebounds.

NC State tied its season-high with 21 assists in the game.

NC State is back in action Sunday when it hosts North Carolina. Tipoff at PNC Arena is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN.