Syracuse University men's basketball coach Adrian Autry provided a pair of solid injury updates on Saturday after the Orange defeated Drexel 80-50 in Philadelphia.

With the win, the Orange are now 3-0 on the young season. They have beaten each opponent by more than 30 points. 

J.J. Starling missed the game entirely because of a right leg injury suffered in the season opener, but Autry said he's confident that Starling is "really close" to returning.

Now, Autry has said for two weeks that he expects Starling back "soon," but there was a confidence and authority behind this declaration that wasn't there in previous media sessions.

Starling led the team in scoring last season at 17.8 ppg and is a major part of what the Orange do both offensively and defensively. Autry cited his leadership and said that the program is not fully whole until he's back in the fold.

His next chance to get on the floor will be Tuesday night when Syracuse returns home to take on Monmouth (9 p.m. ET).

With regards to guard Tyler Betsey, who left Saturday's win in the first half with an apparent ankle injury, Autry said he would learn more in the coming days. He did say that he didn't think the injury was too serious. 

Betsey, a Connecticut native, is a sophomore who transferred in from Cincinnati. He had 10 points in the season opener against Binghamton and seven more last Saturday against Delaware State. 

Inside the numbers from Saturday's win

--Syracuse was up just five at the half (37-32), but outscored the Dragons 43-18 over the final 20 minutes.

--Three different Syracuse players scored in double-figures, including Kiyan Anthony, who led the way with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting. It was the second consecutive start for Anthony, who is in the lineup in relief of Starling. He had 19 points against Delaware state and continues to be efficient with his shot selection and shot-making.

--Donnie Freeman, one week after scoring 20 points, was in double-figures again. He had 13 points and three rebounds.

--William Kyle III continued to show his athleticism, pulling down 10 rebounds and registering three blocks. He also had three steals.

--Syracuse turned those 18 Drexel turnovers into 20 points.

--The Orange had 44 points in the paint vs. 20 for the Dragons.

--Syracuse had 21 points from the bench, while Drexel had just 11.

Need to know

Syracuse Roundtable will have a presence at many Syracuse home games this season. Our own Tom Goslowski will be at Tuesday's contest and you can follow him on social media @TomGozz.

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