SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Maybe Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim finally has solved some of the problems that plagued the Orange earlier in the season.

For the second straight game, the Orange stepped up on defense, its shooters took charge early against Pittsburgh with a daunting long-range barrage, and Syracuse cruised to a 77-66 victory over the Panthers on Saturday.

Pitt came into the game allowing 7.4 three-pointers per game. The Orange were 8 of 13 behind the arc in the first 13 minutes of play, bolting to a stunning 34-8 lead with 7:25 left in the opening half. Battle had a trio of 3s to lead the barrage, and White and Gillon each had a pair as Syracuse completed a 30-2 run.