Syracuse, New York (WSYR-TV) - The Syracuse Orange did its best to make fans forget about the departures of Jonny Flynn, Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris – the team’s leading scorers from a year ago. Ten different Orange players scored, as SU easily took care of Cal State LA 97-54, in its first exhibition of the 2009-2010 season.
Freshman James Southerland led the way with 19 points, shooting a perfect 7-7 from the field, and 5-5 from 3-point range. Junior forward/center Rick Jackson added a double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds), while Scoop Jardine, who sat out last year while recovering from surgery, scored 10 and dished out 8 assists.
Junior swingman Wesley Johnson – a transfer from Iowa State who sat out last year, while still practicing with the team – had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. Freshman Brandon Triche (Jamesville-DeWitt) started at point guard and finished with 8 points and 3 assists. Senior forward/center Arinze Onuaku – who had knee surgery during the offseason – had 10 points and 9 rebounds.
SU’s next exhibition is Tuesday, November 3rd at 7pm against Le Moyne College. The regular season begins November 9th against Albany.
