Southerland a welcome addition for No. 6 Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - James Southerland is back for Syracuse after missing six games with an eligibility matter. Clearly, he's been a boost to the No. 6 Orange, who are still without freshman forward Dajuan Coleman.

Southerland scored 13 points as Syracuse (20-4, 8-3 Big East) defeated St. John's on Sunday and had 14 in a loss at UConn on Wednesday. He has excelled this season as the first option off coach Jim Boeheim's bench.

Southerland is averaging 13.6 points, nearly five rebounds, and has 17 blocks. The 6-foot-8 senior forward is also the Orange's most consistent outside threat, hitting at 38.5 percent from 3-point range.

Not bad for a player who was struggling a year ago.