Fab Melo set a school record with 10 blocks to lead No. 1 Syracuse to a 75-49 victory over visiting Seton Hall on Wednesday in the Big East opener for both schools.

Melo’s swat fest was only one part of a dominant defensive effort from Syracuse (14-0), which held Seton Hall (11-2) to five first-half field goals to gain a 19-point advantage at the break.

The Orange depth overwhelmed yet another opponent as the nation’s leader in steals came up with 10 in the first half and forced 23 turnovers overall.

Melo also added a career-high 12 points and seven rebounds against one of the Big East’s best big men in Herb Pope. The 7-footer held the Seton Hall senior to a season-low four points on 2-of-9 shooting. The crushing loss was a reality check for the Pirates, who were off to their best start since 1992-93.

Pope wasn’t the only star to struggle as Syracuse’s Kris Joseph went 0-for-6 and was held scoreless for the first time in three years. The Orange, though, have more than enough scorers to overcome an off night from their senior leader.

Even though Syracuse failed to shoot at least 50 percent for the first time in five games, Dion Waiters’ game-high 15 points still allowed the Orange to record their fifth straight double-digit victory and avenge last season’s 90-68 home defeat to the Pirates.