Sports

After missing six games, Orange senior guard Southerland a welcome addition for No. 6 Syracuse

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim wants a jump-ball call from the officials during the second half against St. John's in an NCAA college basketball game in Syracuse, N.Y., Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Syracuse won 77-58. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli) (The Associated Press)

Syracuse's James Southerland shoots over St. John's Phil Greene during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Syracuse, N.Y., Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Syracuse won 77-58. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli) (The Associated Press)

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.