Sylven Landesberg, a Virginia freshman from Queens Holy Cross who spurned St. John’s last year, has lifted the Cavaliers to two exhibition victories during the team’s trip to Montreal.
Landesberg scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as five Cavaliers scored in double figures in a 107-60 rout of St. Lawrence College in the morning. Then, Landesberg had 16 points and 10 boards in Virginia’s 85-70 win over Concordia University in the afternoon.
“Overall, I think we did a little bit more what I wanted us to do, which is push the basketball and defend with some pressure,” Virginia coach Dave Leitao said of the first game. “Calvin (Baker) did a good job and obviously Sylven, with 18 points and 13 rebounds, showed his versatility and that told me he’s a basketball player. He’s got to continue to use this as an opportunity to get better.”
Elsewhere, New Jersey native Brandon Costner led four NC State players in double figures with a game-high 31 points as NC State beat York University, 81-60, in the first of two exhibition game in Toronto. Costner had been rumored to be considering transferring to Seton Hall.
Speaking of New Jersey players, Tyshawn Taylor of St. Anthony poured in 18 points when defending national champ Kansas beat McGill University, 72-67, Saturday morning in Ottawa.
Another freshman, Travis Releford, then scored 25 points to lead the Jayhawks to an 84-83 win against Canadian power Carleton Saturday night.
Philly natives Marcus and Markieff Morris didn’t make the trip as they await word on their NCAA eligibility.
