Takeaways from Syracuse men’s basketball’s exhibition loss to UConn

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Syracuse men’s basketball lost its exhibition opener to the archrival UConn Huskies 72-52 on Tuesday night at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Orange tied the game at 26 in the final minutes of the first half, then allowed the final five points of the opening frame, and UConn pulled away, leading most of the second half by double digits.

Sadiq White’s 17 points led the Orange. He was the only Syracuse player in double figures. Amarri Monroe had nine points. UConn was led by 17 points and eight rebounds from Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines. He and Duke transfer Nik Khamenia were the two best players on the floor for much of the game.

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Here are a few takeaways for the Orange.

Aiden Tobiason’s injury

Less than two minutes into the game, Temple transfer Aiden Tobiason came up limping and grabbing his hamstring. The Orange offense didn’t look clean the rest of the game. Gerry McNamara didn’t have an update on Tobiason’s health postgame.

“He knows multiple positions for us,” McNamara said. “A constant threat. A guy to push the ball in the open court, a guy to knock down an open shot, a guy to isolate, a guy to use a pick-and-roll. He’s a pretty talented player.”

Syracuse needs Tobiason to be at full health. He is the highest upside player on the team, flashing NBA potential in G League Elite Camp last year. He combines a seven-foot wingspan with the ability to create his own shot off the dribble and hit threes. That’s something that SU can’t really live without because of how this roster was constructed. There’s not a ton of shot creation elsewhere.

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Kiyan Anthony, who replaced Tobiason, struggled in his sophomore debut. With his father sitting courtside, Anthony flailed to a 2-for-11 performance with 6 points. His struggles from the foul line continued as well, going 2-for-5. If Tobiason is out long-term, Anthony will need to step up and play better than he did on Tuesday night.

Tom Windhausen Photography

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