Junior forward James Southerland has netted a team-best nine points to help the Syracuse University men's basketball team take a 32-24 halftime lead over visiting Eastern Michigan. Junior guard Brandon Triche and senior forward Kris Joseph have each added six points for the Orange (6-0), ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll and No. 4 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll.
With 8:00 remaining in the first half, the Eagles (4-2) held a 21-18 advantage after Darrell Lampley sliced through SU's 2-3 zone and made an uncontested layup. However, on SU's next possession, Triche knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the game at 21. The Orange used Triche's 3-ball to help jump start a 10-1 run and take a 28-22 advantage with 4:41 remaining in the half.
Statistically, Lampley leads all players with a game-best 12 points for EMU.
SU entered the contest surround by national media attention, which is focused on its head coach Jim Boeheim and former assistant coach Bernie Fine. On Sunday, Fine was terminated from his position after sexual abuse allegations, which surfaced early this month, gained credibility. Boeheim released a statement about the firing Sunday, but has yet to comment publicly.
SB Nation New York will be reporting from press row as Syracuse takes on Eastern Michigan at the Carrier Dome. Check back for video and written reaction of Jim Boeheim's post-game press conference. Please, makes sure to follow along on Twitter at SBNatioNY and JaredSmithCNY.