Observations from Syracuse’s exhibition win vs. Buffalo: Near-collapse, 3-point jump
In Syracuse's first exhibition of the season against Buffalo, nine newcomers saw action, including freshman Kiyan Anthony, who scored 10 points in his debut. Leonardo Eriman | Photo Editor
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — In his preseason press conference before his third year as Syracuse’s head coach, Adrian Autry said his goal is to make the NCAA Tournament every year. Across Autry’s first two years at the helm and Jim Boeheim’s final two, the Orange are amid their longest March Madness drought.
If they can snap the skid come March, there’s a possibility they play their first NCAA Tournament game since 2021 at the KeyBank Center — one of the eight locations hosting the first and second rounds this season. And, it’s the arena where they unofficially started the 2025-26 campaign in a rare away preseason exhibition against Buffalo.
Before the game, it was revealed that SU would be without top-ranked freshman Sadiq White Jr., who was ruled out with an upper-body injury. And even with returners J.J. Starling and Donnie Freeman struggling — combining for 19 points on 6-of-19 shooting — and a near late-game collapse, Syracuse’s new-look roster secured a 76-66 win.
Here are observations from Syracuse’s exhibition victory over Buffalo:
Near-collapse
Syracuse was in control throughout the game, leading by as many as 18 points midway through the second half and never trailing. Yet, with under a minute left, the Orange only commanded a four-point lead.
Seven of Freeman’s 11 points helped SU’s offense get back on track after an over three-minute scoring spell, but a trio of Buffalo triples within 75 seconds left cut its deficit from 68-57 to 70-66 with 1:24 remaining. Like all of last year, the Orange put the ball in Starling’s hands, and he drew a foul near the rim with 59 seconds to go.
The guard, who finished with eight points, split his free throws before Syracuse allowed a clean look from beyond the arc that clanged off the rim. Freeman then canned two free throws after getting fouled, and Buffalo missed a layup on the other end.
Cincinnati transfer Tyler Betsey corralled the rebound and drew a foul, also splitting his attempts from the charity stripe. However, the Bulls, now trailing by eight, missed another 3-pointer, putting the game out of reach.
Improved 3-point shooting, pace
Syracuse’s 3-point woes were apparent last season. The Orange finished the year with a 32.8% 3-point percentage and scored just 25.2% of their points from beyond the arc, which ranked 246th and 322nd in the nation, respectively.
Wanting to play with more pace this year, 3-pointers should be a bigger part of SU’s offensive attack. And in its first exhibition game, that was on display, as it shot 9-of-22 (40.9%) beyond the arc.
Many of SU’s looks from deep came when it played fast in transition and off catch-and-shoot opportunities — an encouraging sign for a team looking to play a more moderate and pro-style offense.
Starling, who led Syracuse with 17.8 points per game but shot 26.8% from distance, attempted a team-high five 3s, making just one. However, Betsey was a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc while freshman Kiyan Anthony drilled 2-of-4 attempts. Oregon State transfer Nate Kingz, who was one of the best 3-point shooters in the country last year, made his only 3-point attempt across 19 minutes.
Speaking of pace, that aspect of the Orange’s offense was apparent throughout the game. Syracuse frequently moved the ball in the halfcourt and was active in setting screens. That helped SU get buckets in transition, highlighted by a pair of alley-oops from Georgia Tech transfer Naithan George and one from freshman Luke Fennell.
New faces shine
With six transfers and five freshmen, Syracuse completely overhauled its roster. As Autry went 11 players deep throughout the night, nine made their SU debuts.
George — Syracuse’s crown jewel portal addition — effectively stuffed the stat sheet, finishing with nine points, seven rebounds and six assists despite struggling in the second half. It looked like much-improved production from what the Orange received at point guard last year in Jaquan Carlos, and the difference in George’s command of the offense and skill was vastly apparent.
Syracuse point guard Naithan George moves the ball in transition in Saturday’s exhibition. George, one of the Orange’s top gets out of the portal, built off his ACC-leading 6.5 assists per game in 2024 with six dimes in his first exhibition game with SU. Leonardo Eriman | Photo Editor
Betsey also made an instant impact, draining his first three attempts — two of which were off catch-and-shoots beyond the arc — to anchor the Orange’s offense early. He finished the night with a team-high 14 points.
Meanwhile, Anthony and Fennell made their unofficial collegiate debuts, showing signs of potential. In the early going, Anthony hit a silky-smooth step back from the mid-range before splashing two triples in the second half to end with 10 points.
Fennell showcased his stout passing ability in the first half, connecting with Ibrahim Souare on an alley-oop during a fast break. The Australian didn’t score but notched two assists and two rebounds.
Deep bench
Despite White Jr. being sidelined with an upper-body injury, Autry used 11 players throughout the night. The head coach started George, Starling, Kingz, Freeman and William Kyle III — likely his opening-night starting five when the regular season begins.
Anthony and Betsey were the first reserves to receive action, while Fennell and Souare followed soon after. With its new-look high-tempo pace, Autry experimented with a plethora of lineups throughout the night and didn’t have anyone play more than 27 minutes.
Syracuse also had freshman Aaron Womack and Bryce Zephir — who are both likely on the outside looking in of the primary rotation — receiving meaningful action, as they totaled five and eight minutes, respectively.
After leaning on the bulldozing Eddie Lampkin Jr. at center last year, SU acquired Kyle and Souare — two undersized but athletic centers, practically the opposite of Lampkin — in the portal. Kyle had a clear command of the minutes, as he played 27 compared to Souare’s 11. Kyle had a near double-double, scoring 10 points and securing nine rebounds — showcasing his athleticism throughout the night.
