SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Center Fab Melo is back in the lineup for second-ranked Syracuse after missing three games to resolve an academic issue, and the Orange would seem to be in a good place as they head to New York to play St. John’s.
Coach Jim Boeheim isn’t so sure. Although the Orange (22-1, 9-1 Big East) rank in the top five in 13 Big East team categories, their work on the glass has been suspect. Their rebounding margin is minus-4.2
Syracuse has been outrebounded 11 times this season, six in conference. Except for a subpar 46-33 effort against Marshall in early December, the average discrepancy in seven of those games was just over three rebounds, none larger than six. In the games Melo missed, however, Syracuse was outrebounded 119-85.
