Fab Melo was a trending topic on Twitter at halftime of Wednesday's Orange game against Seton Hall. The last time that happened was in the opening game of last year's Big East Tournament when he scored 12 points in a win over St. John's. Not only did Fab match that career high for points in Wednesday night's 75-49 win over Seton Hall, but he set an SU Basketball record for most blocks in a game, finishing with 10 on the night.
"I don't know who that was out there today," said SU sophomore forward Dion Waiters after the game, "he was like a baby Dwight Howard, monster, beast, he played unbelievable. The way he played today, I'm just happy for him."
"It feels great, it feels great," said Melo, "I've been working a lot and now it is paying off."
Not only was it Fab's first ever double double for the Orange, but he came within 3 rebounds of finishing with a triple double, something Fab says took him by surprise.
"I wasn't aware," recalled Melo, "when I got to the bench the guys said you need (three) rebounds to get a triple double. All I can say was 'wow, I didn't realize it.'"
"They kept coming right at him and he was there," said head coach Jim Boeheim, "he only played 25 minutes too so he had a great defensive game."
Etan Thomas held the previous Syracuse mark for blocks in a game, having earned 9 blocks four different times. Fab Melo's also hopes to add repeat performances and keep this defensive trend going, and maybe even "trend" a few more times on Twitter as well.
"There will be more for sure. I am going to work a lot and my game is going to get better."
