Syracuse Loses Star Player Before NCAA Tournament
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Jim McIsaac/Getty Images(PITTSBURGH) — Syracuse sophomore center Fab Melo will not play in the NCAA tournament because of an eligibility issue, the university announced Tuesday. The university did not elaborate on the nature of the issue.
Melo missed three games earlier in the season because of an academic issue.
The Big East defensive player of the year had been a key contributor in the Orange’s success this season, averaging 7.8 points per game along with 5.8 rebounds and 88 blocks in 30 games played.
Syracuse (31-2) will open the tournament against 16th-seeded UNC Asheville (24-9) Thursday afternoon.
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