Syracuse Opens Exhibition Slate Against UConn in Uncasville

Syracuse men’s basketball returned to action Tuesday, October 13, 2026, facing the UConn Huskies at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, for the first of three exhibition games before the regular season. The matchup marked Gerry McNamara’s first game as Syracuse head coach.

According to syracuse.com, the Orange entered the exhibition with only two scholarship players returning from last season, Kiyan Anthony and Sadiq White. Syracuse rebuilt its roster with transfers and international recruits ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The game also represented an early test against UConn, which reached the national championship game last season. According to syracuse.com, the two programs had not met during the regular season since 2018-19.

McNamara’s roster featured several players connected to his previous coaching stop. According to syracuse.com, three Siena players followed him from Albany to Syracuse, including Gavin Doty, an All-MAAC first-team selection and Fulton native.

Syracuse also added length and experience through transfers. According to syracuse.com, Temple transfer Aiden Tobiason joined the wing group, while App State transfer Luke Wilson and international prospect Abdramane Siby strengthened the frontcourt.

Before tipoff, Syracuse announced that freshman forward Mark Morano would miss the exhibition because of a lower-leg injury. According to syracuse.com, Morano had recently returned to practice but had not received clearance for full-contact activity.

UConn entered the game without guard Braylon Mullins, who was unavailable because of an undisclosed injury, according to syracuse.com. The Huskies adjusted their starting lineup by using freshman Colben Landrew in the frontcourt.

During the first half, Syracuse started Garwey Dual, Gavin Doty, Aiden Tobiason, Sadiq White Jr. and Tasman Goodrick, according to syracuse.com. UConn started Silas Demary Jr., Colben Landrew, Jayden Ross, Nik Khamenia and Oskar Giltay.

The opening minutes showed both teams still adjusting in exhibition play. According to syracuse.com, Syracuse struggled to create clean offensive opportunities and committed four turnovers early, while UConn recorded three offensive fouls.

Syracuse’s first field goal came from Sadiq White in transition after more than four minutes of play, according to syracuse.com. UConn responded with Nik Khamenia’s first field goal on a three-point shot.