Seton Hall Trounced By No. 1 Syracuse

Fab Melo had 12 points and 10 blocks, both career-highs, and No. 1 Syracuse stifled Seton Hall at every turn in a 75-49 victory Wednesday night in the Big East opener for both teams.

Syracuse (14-0, 1-0) gained control with a staunch defensive performance in the opening half in building a 34-15 lead.

Melo, who had his first career double-double, pulled in seven rebounds.

Dion Waiters had 15 points and Brandon Triche added 11 for Syracuse, which won easily despite a subpar performance from leading scorer Kris Joseph, who missed all six of his shots and did not score.

He did have four steals and four assists.

Jordan Theodore led Seton Hall (11-2, 0-1) with 14 points. Herb Pope, fourth in the nation in scoring at 20.3 points per game, had only four points and nine rebounds.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)