Syracuse Beats North Florida with Career Highs by Battle, White and Howard

Story by Nicki Jones

Photo by Aubrie Tolliver

Syracuse, N.Y. - Syracuse barely avoided a third straight loss, holding on or a 77-71 win over North Florida at the Carrier Dome, Saturday. Andrew White III led all Syracuse players with 26 points while helping Frank Howard accumulate a career high of 13 assists.

After bad losses to South Carolina in Brooklyn and Wisconsin in Madison, the Orange was looking to get back on track at home against the seemingly over-matched Ospreys from Jacksonville, But after building a 24-point second half lead, the Orange gave up almost all of it before time ran out.

"The second half we got going, had a nice rhythm, we got the ball inside, we made some shots," SU head coach Jim Boeheim said. "We got control of the game and then we tried to get some people into the game and they weren’t ready to play and the game got really close. That’s what happens when you aren’t ready to play -- you don’t compete and it’s disappointing."

Always do Moore

The player who keyed North Florida's comeback was senior guard Dallas Moore. Moore scored 16 points in eight minutes to cut the lead to make it a ball game with 4:29 left in regulation. Moore finished with 30 points and seven rebounds.

Wajid Aminu had a double-double for UNF with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Romelo Banks also grabbed ten rebounds for the Ospreys who out-boarded Syracuse 41-33. Nick Malenga chipped in 12 points.

Battle for Roberson

In with the new and out with the old, with the first lineup change of the season, freshman guard Tyus Battle replaced senior forward Tyler Roberson for his first career start with 36 minutes and a career high of 19 points.

“I’m confident when I play my game,"Battle said. "That confidence always goes up when you see the ball go in.”

Over the past two games, including Roberson failed to score more than a single point. Being left scoreless from the field completely isn't something coach Jim Boeheim desires from his senior forward.

“We have to score,” Boeheim said. “You can’t play 34 minutes and score a single point and keep your job. We need him to rebound, play defense and stop missing layups, stop missing shots around the basket.”

                            

Although Roberson is a senior he has been battling with putting the ball in the basket. Replacing Roberson with Battle seems to have worked out for the better.

“I didn’t think it would work out this well,"Boeheim said. "I didn’t think Tyus was ready to have this kind of game but I’m glad he did.” 

Andrew White III assisted by Frank Howard

White came out on fire making the first two 3-pointers of the game and finishing with a career high of seven made 3's. Although, White consistently put the ball in the basket he pointed to his teammates and coach for his success.

“My teammates did a good job of finding me,” White said.  “Coach gives me the green light and encourages me to shoot. I credit those guys.”

Sophomore point guard Frank Howard found White five times and finished the game with a career high of 13 assists.

“I asked him before the game how many assists did he want tonight,” White said. “I always tell him where I am and where I’ll be. If he hits me, he can count it as an assist.”

Center Dajuan Coleman played 29 minutes, scoring 15 points and taking down six rebounds.

Quick Turn around

Syracuse now 5-2, will return to action Monday Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. vs. the UConn Huskies. The game will be played at Madison Square Garden and airs on ESPN2.