Shorthanded Syracuse hands Louisville third straight loss

Tyus Battle scored 25 points to lead Syracuse to a 78-73 victory over Louisville Monday night.

Syracuse (16-8, 5-6) never trailed in the final 28:58 as they snapped a two-game losing streak. However, the Cardinals (16-8, 6-5) made it interesting down the stretch against the Orange, who had just six healthy scholarship players and played just seven.

Syracuse led 65-53 with 7:36 remaining, but the Louisville pulled within 67-65 after two free throws from Ray Spalding with 4:05 left. The Cardinals then went more than two minutes without a basket.

Spalding, who did not start after injuring his ankle in Saturday's loss to Florida State, finished with 18 points and nine rebounds

Jordan Nwora hit a 3-pointer for Louisville with 27 seconds left to get within 73-70, but the Cardinals would get no closer.

Frank Howard finished with 22 points for the Orange, who also got 16 points from Oshae Brisett.

Anas Mahmoud and Deng Adel finished with 10 each for Louisville, who made just 3 of 19 3-point shots