Syracuse men’s basketball: Orange brace for first tough test of the McNamEra

Comparing game one to game two of the 2026-27 Syracuse Orange men’s basketball season, head coach Gerry McNamara seemed much more pleased with the performance in the latter. And with the Orange about ready to play their first significant non-conference contest this year, Syracuse’s most recent effort came at the right time.

Two games, two similar opponents, two completely different outcomes.

“I felt like (the other day) we played the score, and you get in those scenarios where you play the score, it means you’re not playing as hard as you should,” McNamara said after the Orange’s 53-point blowout victory over Central Connecticut State University. “We didn’t play the score tonight. We played the possession, and that’s what I’m happy about.”

SYRACUSE, NY – NOVEMBER 05: Syracuse Orange Guard Kiyan Anthony (7) dribbles the ball against Central Connecticut Blue Devils Guard Jhace Johnson (2) during the second half of the College Basketball game between the Central Connecticut Blue Devils and the Syracuse Orange on November 5, 2026, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Syracuse opened the year with a comfortable 74-58 home win against New Haven on Monday. Not bad, but the team didn’t have a complete, start-to-finish performance in its season opener.

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The Orange entered the second half up 39-17 and led by as much as 28. But the defensive effort slipped and the offense was inefficient (39.3% from the field all game). New Haven actually outscored Syracuse 41-35 in the game’s last 20 minutes. All that led to the Orange winning by 16 instead of more.

Then came the next game against Central Connecticut, and it was almost the opposite of what happened versus New Haven.

“There was just never a dip in physicality, intent, and focus, and the thing I was really happy about is I felt like we played on the other side (offense) unselfishly,” McNamara said.

The margins were similar in both…

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Publish date : 2026-11-09 14:30:00

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