Syracuse opened its 2026-27 men’s basketball season with a 74-58 victory over New Haven on Monday night, using an 18-0 start to build a sizable halftime lead at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Kiyan Anthony led the Orange with 17 points off the bench. He shot 5-for-12 from the field, made two 3-pointers and went 5-for-6 at the free-throw line. Gavin Doty added 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Sadiq White Jr. finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds for Syracuse.
Orange seize control early
Doty scored Syracuse’s first five points as the Orange scored the game’s opening 18 points. He had 10 points and seven rebounds by halftime, helping Syracuse take a 39-17 lead into the break.
The Orange shot 38.2% in the first half but limited New Haven to 25.9% shooting during the opening 20 minutes. Syracuse also protected the ball throughout the game, committing only five turnovers while forcing 13.
New Haven improved offensively after halftime, making 16 of 27 shots for a 59.3% second-half shooting rate. The Chargers could not turn that accuracy into a comeback, however, as Syracuse maintained control after the break.
- Syracuse: 74 points, 38.2% first-half shooting and five turnovers.
- New Haven: 58 points, led by Teshaun Steele’s 18 points.
- Double-doubles: Gavin Doty had 14 points and 13 rebounds; Sadiq White Jr. had 14 points and 10 rebounds.
New Haven’s leading scorers
Teshaun Steele led all New Haven players with 18 points, shooting 7-for-11 and making two 3-pointers. Reserve Moussa Camara contributed 10 points on 5-for-7 shooting.
The rest of the Chargers combined to shoot 11-for-36, or 30.6%. Danny Young recorded New Haven’s only steal of the game.
Next games
Syracuse will return to the court Thursday against Central Connecticut at home. New Haven’s next game is Friday at Rutgers.
The victory gave Syracuse an early result in its season, while New Haven began its schedule with the loss. The teams’ next opponents will continue their opening stretches of the 2026-27 season.
