Syracuse men’s basketball cruised to an 83-43 win over Delaware State on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome, dominating in the first-ever matchup between the two programs. and improving to 2-0 on the season. Freshman forward Donnie Freeman led the way with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Kiyan Anthony added 19 in his first career start.
Playing without injured guard JJ Starling, Syracuse started Anthony alongside Naithan George, Nate Kingz, Freeman and William Kyle. The Orange set the tone early with full-court pressure, forcing turnovers and jumping out to a 10-2 lead. Freeman’s early three-pointer and a series of transition plays energized the crowd, while reserves Tyler Betsey and Sadiq White provided a lift off the bench. By halftime, Freeman and Anthony had combined for 25 points as Syracuse built a commanding 40-17 advantage.
The Orange kept the pressure on after the break, anchored by Kyle’s defensive presence and rebounding. He tallied multiple blocks and an and-one finish as Syracuse continued to pull away. George and Zephir chipped in from deep, and White added a pair of emphatic dunks. Late in the game, freshman center Tiefing “Cheffy” Diawara made his season debut.
Syracuse finished the afternoon shooting nearly 60 percent from the field while holding the Hornets to just 15 percent in the first half and 21 percent overall.
GAME RECAP LINKS
- Syracuse men’s basketball cruises to 83-43 win over Delaware State (DailyOrange.com)
- Syracuse’s defense dominates Delaware State in blowout win (Syracuse.com)
- Syracuse 83, Delaware State 43: Freeman and Anthony lead Orange in rout (NunesMagician.com)
- Observations from SU’s win vs. Delaware State: Aggressive Freeman, lockdown defense (DailyOrange.com)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
ADRIAN AUTRY’S POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Last year Syracuse played Le Moyne and Colgate at home to open up their season and won those games by a combined 6 points giving up 77 points per game.
— Sam Stavrakos (@SamStavrakos) November 8, 2025
The Orange have won their first two games of the season by a combined 78 points allowing 45 points per game….
Good start. pic.twitter.com/9mOOf2wzYp
Syracuse Basketball is going to be very dangerous this season, mark my words @Cuse_MBB #Syracuse
— Roger Clark (@RogerClark41) November 8, 2025
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.