By Jason Schott – BrooklynFans.com Reporter / Assignment Editor – @JESchott19 Photography by @LolitaLens

Temple upset Syracuse, who is ranked third in the country, 83-79, in a thriller at the Gotham Classic at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon.

Temple's Khalif Wyatt trying to drive on Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams. Photo by @LolitaLens.

Syracuse led at the half, 40-38, and Temple, led by Khalif Wyatt, opened the second half with a 13-2 run.

Syracuse went on a run of their own, and James Southerland got a layup to tie the game at 55 with 12 minutes left.

Most teams would fold when Syracuse ties them, but Temple held tough and went on a run. Scootie Randall made a three-pointer to make it 70-67 with eight minutes left.

Syracuse made a run, as C.J. Fair made a three-pointer to make it 72-70 Temple with 3:07 left.

Temple's Anthony Lee boxing out Syracuse's C.J. Fair for a rebound. Photo by @LolitaLens.

Temple never blew the lead, and held it in the final minute with free throws from Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson and Khalif Wyatt.

Temple was led by Khalif Wyatt with 33 points with 8-for-17 and shot a perfect 15-for-15 from the free throw line.

Anthony Lee had 21 points on 5-10 shooting and was also clutch from the free-throw line, making 10 of 14.

For Syracuse, C.J.  Fair led the way with 25 points on 8-for-12 shooting and seven rebounds.

Brandon Triche could not get Syracuse's offense into a rhythm. Photo by @LolitaLens.

Syracuse guard Brandon Triche had 17 points, but was held in check with only one assist. Temple’s defense also stopped him from getting their offense into a good flow.

Syracuse opens the Big East part of their schedule on January 2nd by hosting Rutgers.