Syracuse 77, North Florida 71: Orange edge Ospreys

Back on track, for now.

After coming off back-to-back losses away from the Carrier Dome, the Syracuse Orange looked to rebound at home tonight against the North Florida Ospreys. Although it got out-rebounded the Orange were still able to bounce back with a 77-71 win.

Jim Boeheim elected to tweak the starting lineup in tonight’s contest. He’d give Tyus Battle the nod, supplanting Tyler Roberson as he came off the bench for the first time in 58 games.

True to theme, Andrew White got off to another hot start from three by going five-of-eight in the first half alone. The Orange as a collective knocked down eight threes in the first half in 15 attempts. As such, Syracuse took a 34-23 lead into the half.

The second half started much like the first as Syracuse shot the ball well and got out to a 12-2 run. North Florida was able to cut the Syracuse lead to five late in the game, but eventually it was Syracuse that came out on top.

Coleman Emerging

After Syracuse lost to South Carolina last weekend Jim Boeheim was asked what DaJuan had to do to see the floor. “Something. He’s got to show me something,” Boeheim opined.

Well DaJuan has shown more on the offensive end the last two games. He hit an important jumpshot when North Florida cut the Syracuse lead to eight, and an even more important three point play when they cut it to seven on the ensuing possession. He’s getting to the high post better on defense, too.

It was against North Florida, sure, but he finished with 15 points and 6 rebounds.

White Hot

Once again Andrew White had it going from downtown. He finished with 26 points on seven made threes.

Other Stats

Franklin Howard finished the night with a double-double and a career high 13 assists. In his first start, Battle played well offensively by knocking down shots. He finished with 19 points on four-of-five from downtown. Syracuse as a team assisted on 20 of its 25 field goals. The Orange shot 52.2 percent from three point land while limiting North Florida to 28.2 percent from long range.

Next Up

Syracuse travels back to New York to take on Connecticut on Monday. That game tips at 7 pm and will be broadcast on ESPN2.