It still may be a while until anyone outperforms the balanced offense of Syracuse (13-0, 0-0 Big East), which shot 51 percent against the nation’s third-best defense. Brandon Triche and James Southerland both connected on a pair of 3-pointers during a 19-0 run that closed the final six minutes of the first half. The backcourt mates combined for 19 points as the Orange won their fourth straight game by double digits.

While Syracuse looked completely relaxed with a 10-man rotation on the offensive end, it amped up the intensity and confused Tulane (11-2, 0-0 Conference USA) with its 2-3 zone. Forward Josh Thomas entered the game averaging a double-double but went 0-for-9 from the floor. The Green Wave opened the season with nine straight wins and their best start since 1991-92 but have now dropped two of their last four – both on the road. They have one more tune-up before opening conference play on Jan. 4.

Tulane shouldn’t feel too bad, though, not many have been able to answer Syracuse’s offensive surges. Kris Joseph scored 13 points and got to the free-throw line a season-high eight times, knocking down seven. The senior swingman’s penetration created open looks from the perimeter where the Orange were 10 of 21.