Back on track for now.

After losing four games in its last six contests, the Syracuse Orange looked to right the ship as it hosted the Eastern Michigan Eagles at the Carrier Dome tonight. Syracuse got off to an auspicious start as it took a 24-8 lead behind stellar shooting and solid defense. The Orange played steady throughout, eventually winning 103-57.

Rob Murphy’s team came out in a 2-3 zone — as you might expect — and Syracuse was able to move the ball well against the zone. The Orange had six players hit from outside in the first half and assisted on every one of its 19 first half field goals. As such, Syracuse took a 52-24 lead into the break.

Of note, Tyler Lydon winced as he came down with a rebound in the first half and didn’t return to the game. It was reported that he had a strained right achilles but keeping him out was precautionary. More on this to follow.

The Orange carried its hot shooting into the second half as Andrew White and John Gillon knocked down back to back triples to extend the lead. Syracuse continued moving the ball well in the second, assisting on 34 of its 37 field goals. What’s more, the Orange won the rebounding battle 45-33 and all eight players scored in double figures.

Guards Respond

After Syracuse’s loss to Georgetown on Saturday Jim Boeheim said he needed his guards to play better. Gillon certainly stepped up his play as he finished with 14 points, 9 assists and 5 steals while Frank had a double-double in points and assists.

Longball

If there’s been one (mostly) consistent area of the game this year for Syracuse, it’s the three point shooting. Once again Syracuse’s outside shooting was true — collectively the Orange shot 53.6 percent from downtown.

The Return of Robie?

While Lydon’s injury is a concern, having him out opened up some minutes for Tyler Roberson. It wasn’t a textbook performance for the senior forward but Roberson was able to take advantage of his minutes and finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds. Hopefully the trend continues as Syracuse will eventually need Roberson’s production, especially with ACC play looming.

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Syracuse now moves to 7-4 on the season with the win. The Orange has a quick turnaround as it hosts St. John’s on Wednesday. That game tips at 7 p.m. from the dome.