Seeking a second-place tie with Florida State in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Cardinals rode a 14-4 run entering the break for a 15-point lead that grew to 23 early in the second half. That provided a buffer against shaky play Syracuse used to get within 11 but never closer as Louisville (23-6, 11-5) rebounded from its loss at No. 8 North Carolina.
Mitchell shot 9 of 16 from the field to lead four Cardinals in double figures. A revamped starting frontcourt featuring Spalding helped as the sophomore forward tied a career high in points while posting his second career double-double.
Deng Adel had 17 points and Quentin Snider 12 for Louisville.
Tyus Battle had 20 points and Tyler Lydon 17 for Syracuse (17-13, 9-8), which had sought a follow-up to its buzzer-beating win over No. 10 Duke.
