National Basketball Association
BOXSCORE | RECAP
Syracuse 97, Morgan St. 55
When: 7:00 PM ET, Monday, December 20, 2010
Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, New York
Officials: # Tim Clougherty, # Tony Crisp, # Gene Steratore
Attendance: 16031

Maybe this was the breakout game for Syracuse center Fab Melo.

The highly hyped freshman scored nine points as the Orange beat Morgan State 97-55 on Monday at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.

Melo, selected as the preseason Big East Rookie of the Year, has had a disappointing season but performed well Monday. In addition to his career high in points, he provided two rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocked shots.

Monday was a good step, but Melo must improve over the remainder of the season. The Orange (12-0) could certainly use it with a rough Big East schedule looming.

Forwards Rick Jackson and James Southerland led Syracuse with a game-high 18 points apiece. Jackson shot 9 of 16, while Southerland finished 7 of 10 off the bench.

Kevin Thompson led the Bears (4-5) with 15 points, while Justin Black finished with 14.

Top Game Performances
 
Morgan St.   Syracuse
Kevin Thompson 15 Scoring Rick Jackson 18
Aric Brooks 8 Assists Dion Waiters 8
Kevin Thompson 12 Rebounds Rick Jackson 9
Aric Brooks 4 Free Throws Made Fab Melo 3
Kevin Thompson 3 Steals Baye Moussa Keita 3
Kevin Thompson 3 Blocks Fab Melo 4
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Points FG% 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA Assists Rebounds Blocks Steals Turnovers
Morgan St. 55 37.7 5-13 10-20 14 27 4 6
Syracuse 97 53.4 12-25 7-10 34 38 11 12