Syracuse opened its season with a commanding 74-58 victory over New Haven on Monday night, fueled by a blistering 18-0 opening run that established early dominance. The Orange’s trio of Kiyan Anthony, Gavin Doty, and Sadiq White Jr. anchored the offense, with Anthony delivering 17 points off the bench. The guard was efficient, shooting 5 of 12 from the field, including two three-pointers, and converting 5 of 6 free throws. His scoring punch complemented the interior presence of Doty and White, who both posted double-doubles to control the paint and secure the rebounding advantage.
The Orange’s balanced attack and stifling defense set the tone for a dominant season start.
Gavin Doty led the charge with 14 points and 13 rebounds, scoring the first five points of the game to ignite the initial run. Sadiq White Jr. matched Doty’s scoring output with 14 points while adding 10 rebounds, creating a formidable frontcourt duo that New Haven could not contain. Despite shooting just 38.2% in the first half, Syracuse held the Chargers to a mere 25.9% shooting, building a 39-17 lead by halftime. The Orange’s defensive discipline was evident in the second half as well; although New Haven improved to 59.3% shooting in the second period, they never mounted a significant comeback threat.
New Haven’s Teshaun Steele led the Chargers with 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting, while reserve Moussa Camara added 10 points on efficient 5-for-7 shooting. However, the rest of the New Haven squad struggled significantly, managing only 11 of 36 attempts (30.6%). Syracuse’s ball security was a decisive factor in the win, as the Orange committed only five turnovers while forcing 13. This positive turnover differential, combined with their balanced scoring and rebounding prowess, signaled a strong foundation for the upcoming season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
