NCAA Scores 2012: Syracuse Prove They're Still Title Contenders in Win

A lethargic end to the season culminated by the loss of Fab Melo caused many experts to predict Syracuse as the first No. 1 seed to fall in this year's NCAA Tournament, but they showed no signs of doing so Saturday afternoon.

In a convincing 75-59 victory over 8-seed Kansas State, the Orange proved why they're still formidable contenders to cut down the nets in New Orleans.

Head coach Jim Boeheim has clearly stated this season that his team will go as far as its seniors take them. One senior who has been lost in the fold, Scoop Jardine, had a major coming out game against K-State (16 PTS, 8 AST, 5 REB).

Jardine's points per game are down more than four points, and his assists per game are down by one despite the Orange's incredible season. If he continues to put up numbers reminiscent to his stat line Saturday, 'Cuse transforms from a upset-prone 1-seed to a title favorite. 

Syracuse's depth has been well-documented and is one of their best assets. This was a major sticking point for optimistic fans when Melo was deemed ineligible with academic issues.  

The absence of the Big East Defensive Player of the Year means more minutes from James Southerland. He brings a much-needed three-point threat to Syracuse's offense, which is a vital commodity in the NCAA Tournament.

6'9" Rakeem Christmas is also filling in for Melo on the glass, finishing with eight points, 11 rebounds and three big blocks in their third-round victory.  

Their troubles against 16-seed UNC-Asheville cannot be ignored. They looked unmotivated, and it took gutsy plays (and a grateful call by the officials) to fend off what would have been a historic upset. But that will motivate this team more than anything moving forward, and they have plenty of momentum to ride after their drubbing of Kansas State.

Syracuse is still deep enough to bring one of their most prolific scorers in the explosive Dion Waiters off the bench, who is averaging nearly 18 points in each of his last five games. 

Boeheim's esteemed 2-3 zone was in top form against the Wildcats. They did a great job of covering the deep ball while suffocating opposing forwards when the ball was thrown inside. The Wildcats got a lot of looks inside, but very few were makeable. 

If their players continue to work the zone with motivation and toughness, there will be no easy baskets for the opposing offense. Virtually the only potential gap is on the perimeter, which they've been able to guard well as of late.

Points are at a premium in the type of game Syracuse plays. Their zone has been forcing timely turnovers and helping to make transition breaks for easy baskets.

The Orange are now 4-1 without Melo this season, and with every win, they're inching toward adding a second national championship to Boeheim's tenure in a tournament that they were expected to crumble in.