Updated: Thursday, December 2, 2004 3:24 PM EST
NCAA BASKETBALL RECAP
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(5) Syracuse 91, St Bonaventure 67
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SYRACUSE, New York (Ticker) -- Hakim Warrick provided the outstanding plays but was upstaged by the return of a familiar face.

Warrick scored 18 points on a handful of breath-taking moves, but it was the return of Billy Edelin that highlighted fifth-ranked Syracuse's 91-67 victory over St. Bonaventure.

Edelin, whose status was unknown at game time, made his first appearance since leaving the team last February due to personal reasons. He scored four points on three shots. An integral part of the Orange's NCAA championship team in 2003, the junior guard scored 9.0 points that season, including 12 with three steals in the title game against Kansas.

"He's been away a long time from competition," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said about Edelin. "He needs a few more games to get his game back."

"I just tried to fit in," Edelin said.

After receiving an academic waiver from the NCAA in October, Edelin did not join the team until November 21 in order to focus on his grades. His addition to Syracuse boosts a team that was predicted to capture the Big East without him. He'll team with Gerry McNamara and Josh Pace to form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the nation.

He received a standing ovation when he entered the game midway through the first half and got another cheer when he touched the ball for the first time.

"It was great to get that reaction," Edelin said about the ovation. "It makes my job easier when I know the fans are behind me."

Warrick, who shot 7-of-9 from the field and grabbed 11 rebounds, provided the play of the night when he drove the baseline and converted a double-pump wrap-around despite nearly banging his head on the bottom half of the backboard. The play gave the Orange (6-0) a 28-12 lead with 9:25 remaining in the first half.

He added a reverse layup six minutes later, and finished with a pair of thunderous dunks.

McNamara scored 17 points with a pair of 3-pointers and Pace added 12 and 10 rebounds for Syracuse, which recorded its 30th straight win against New York State opponents.

Sophomores Darryl Watkins scored 12 points and Louie McCroskey added eight with two 3-pointers for the Orange.

"For us to be good, our young guys have to show that they can go out there and be productive," said Boeheim, a point that he has been driving home for much of the young season.

Wade Dunston scored 17 points and Michael Lee chipped in 16 on 8-of-13 shooting for St. Bonaventure (0-4), which fell to 3-21 all-time against the Orange.

Patrick Lottin added 11 points and eight rebounds for the Bonnies, who struggled in the first half, shooting 35 percent (12-of-34) to fall behind 46-26 at halftime.


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