Indiana Holds Off Syracuse Behind Burton and Harris

Indiana improved to 3-0 with an 83-80 win over Syracuse in Bloomington on November 9, overcoming a four-point halftime deficit. Markus Burton and Darren Harris led the Hoosiers with 20 points apiece, while Jaeden Mustaf added 18 points and seven rebounds.

Harris scored eight straight Indiana points to open the second half and give the Hoosiers a 42-38 lead. Syracuse responded, and the teams traded advantages in the closing minutes. Luke Wilson put the Orange ahead 70-69 with 3:33 remaining before Burton’s three-pointer restored Indiana’s lead.

Syracuse tied the score twice more, but Harris sank three foul shots with 1:14 remaining to put Indiana ahead 77-74. Mustaf dunked with 25 seconds remaining, and Indiana made all six of its free throws in the final 1:14 to secure the win.

Indiana had limited scoring from its post players and relied on Burton, Harris and Mustaf for offense. Mustaf also took on defensive assignments against Syracuse’s leading scorer, Gavin Doty, and guard Ryan Moesch. The Hoosiers will host Tennessee Tech on Thursday. Syracuse, now 2-1, visits No. 13 St. John’s on Sunday.