Syracuse got a major boost for the stretch run Sunday when senior James Southerland was cleared to play after winning his appeal.
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim confirmed the news to SNY.tv by text.
Southerland, a 6-foot-8 Queens, N.Y., native , will debut at 3 p.m. against St. John’s at the Carrier Dome.
On Jan. 12, the school announced that Southerland was out until further notice due to an eligibility matter that was deemed academic in nature.
He missed six games, during which the No. 9 Orange went 4-2.
When he went out, he was Syracuse’s second-leading scorer, averaging 13. 6 points to go with 5.2 rebounds.
He should be a key addition down the stretch. A year ago, Syracuse lost Fab Melo for the NCAA Tournament and it hurt them as they lost to Ohio State in the Elite 8.
