Eight players reach double-figures to lead Syracuse men's basketball past Eastern Michigan

Two days after losing to a former Big East rival, the Syracuse Orange basketball team delivered its best offensive performance of the season against Eastern Michigan.

Led by 18 points from Tyus Battle, eight different SU players registered double-figure scoring totals as the Orange dominated from start-to-finish. Syracuse (7-4) shot 58.7 percent from the field, knocked down 15 3-point shots and cruised to a 105-57 victory over the Eagles at the Carrier Dome.

Photo: Rusty Frank

Members of the Syracuse University men’s basketball team play against Eastern Michigan men’s basketball team during a game inside the Carrier Dome, Dec. 19, 2016, at Syracuse, N.Y. SU won the game with a final score of 105-57.

“It shows how many guys can contribute on this team,” Battle said. “We know we have guys that can score and step up every night. We’re a really deep team. If we play like that, we’re going to be tough to beat.”

SU jumped out to a 10-2 lead over Eastern Michigan (6-5) just under four minutes into the game and never looked back. The Orange’s lead reached 16 just 11 minutes into the game and ballooned to 28 by the end of the period. Syracuse headed into the locker room with a commanding 52-24 advantage.

“We made a lot of shots,” Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim said. “We got the ball in the right places and got some really good looks.”

Freshman forward Taurean Thompson scored nine of his 11 points in the half and all eight SU players who saw action recorded at least two first-half points.

“He can shoot, he’s a good passer, he has good hands,” Boeheim said about Thompson. “He’s a really good offensive player.”

The Orange connected on three 3-pointers in the first three minutes coming out of the locker room and quickly turned the contest into a blowout.

Senior forward Tyler Roberson—who had scored just 11 points in his last four games—recorded 8 points in the period and guard Andrew White III knocked down three 3-pointers to help the Orange pull away. Roberson finished with 10 points and eight rebounds, while White added 14.

“I think some of what was open—what was working tonight—would have worked against the four teams that we’ve lost too,” White said. "It’s a confidence thing. It’s a mindset that you can go out and make those plays.”

Syracuse managed to break down Eastern Michigan’s zone by moving the ball and passing effectively on the interior. On multiple occasions, SU found a big man on the free throw line, who then connected with a cutter for an easy lay-up.

Overall, the Orange tallied an assist on 34 of its 37 made field goals. Frank Howard recorded a double-double—registering 10 points and a game-high 11 assists—while John Gillon chipped in nine assists to go along with his 14 points.

“We passed the ball well,” Boeheim said. “I thought John and Frank both found guys, found people open, and we made shots.”

One game after scoring a career-high 29 points in the loss to Georgetown, SU forward Tyler Lydon continued his hot shooting in the first half against Eastern Michigan. He totaled 12 points, knocked down two 3-pointers and shot four-of-seven from the field. Lydon also grabbed six rebounds in just 16 minutes of action.

But, with four minutes remaining before halftime, Lydon went up for a rebound and came down limping with an apparent leg injury. He did not return to the game, but was on the sideline during the second half.

Syracuse will return to action against former Big East rival St. John’s on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.

Notes:

DaJuan Coleman scored 12 points and grabbed four rebounds in his 16 minutes of play.

Senior Doyin Akintobi-Adeyeye checked into the game with two minutes remaining and connected on both his field-goal attempts.