Buffalo Orange Face Off in KeyBank Center Exhibition Game
The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team is set to take the court for an exhibition game against the Buffalo Bulls on Saturday, October 25. The match will take place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, starting at 7 p.m. Fans can catch the action live on Cuse.com. This event provides an early opportunity for Orange supporters to get a glimpse of the team’s performance ahead of the regular season.
Exhibition Game Overview
- Date: Saturday, October 25
- Location: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- Start Time: 7 p.m.
- Live Stream: Cuse.com
Rivalry Renewed
This matchup brings together two in-state rivals, reviving a competitive history that dates back to the 1917-18 season. The exhibition game will be a significant chapter in this longstanding rivalry.
Team Update: Syracuse Orange
Head coach Adrian Autry embarks on his third season with the Syracuse Orange, aiming for substantial achievements in the upcoming season. Autry expressed his ambition for the team, stating, “We want to be able to make deep March runs.”
Roster Changes
This year’s roster has undergone a notable transformation, featuring only three returning players from the previous season. Autry has brought in six transfers and a well-regarded recruiting class to bolster the team’s prospects.
Key Players Returning
- J.J. Starling: Senior guard who averaged 17.8 points per game last season, reaching a milestone of 1,000 career points.
- Donnie Freeman: Sophomore forward who, despite an injury-shortened season, averaged 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
New Additions
Syracuse welcomes a mix of transfers and freshmen to the team. Key new players include:
- Naithan George (Georgia Tech)
- Nate Kingz (Oregon State)
- William Kyle III (UCLA)
- Ibrahim Souare (Georgia Tech)
- Kiyan Anthony (four-star recruit)
- Sadiq White Jr. (four-star recruit)
- Luke Fennell (from Australia)
- Tiefing Diawara (from France)
- Aaron Womack (Milwaukee, Wisc.)
Buffalo Bulls Outlook
The Buffalo Bulls, led by head coach George Halcovage III, begin their third season under his leadership. Halcovage, a former Villanova assistant, brings a wealth of experience to the team.
Player Highlights
- Ryan Sabol: Junior guard averaged 14.4 points last season, ranking among the top three-point shooters in program history with 141 career three-pointers.
- Noah Batchelor: Senior forward who transferred from Maryland, averaged 6.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in his debut season with Buffalo.
The exhibition game promises to be a thrilling showcase for both teams and an early indicator of what fans can expect in the upcoming season.
