ORANGE GAME DAY: Syracuse basketball looks for 4-0 start at home against Monmouth (preview)

Syracuse basketball returns to the JMA Wireless Dome tonight looking to extend its unbeaten start against Monmouth, with tipoff set for 9 p.m. The Orange enter at 3-0 after a dominant showing at the Autumn Invitational, where a smothering second-half surge powered an 80-50 win over Drexel. That victory capped a remarkable opening stretch in which Syracuse has produced the nation’s top statistical defense, leading Division I in scoring defense, field goal percentage defense and three-point percentage defense. This matchup marks the final tune-up before Syracuse heads west for the high-profile Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

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Monmouth arrives at 1-2, having dropped its last two games against La Salle and Seton Hall after a 96-point outburst in its opener. The Hawks have struggled offensively in those losses, averaging just 59 points, but have been steady on the defensive end, holding opponents to 36 percent shooting. Junior wing Jason Rivera-Torres has been their most consistent threat, averaging 14.3 points and 7.7 rebounds, while senior guard Jack Collins brings experience and perimeter scoring to the backcourt. Head coach King Rice, now in his 15th season, leads a program that has historically competed well in the CAA. Syracuse holds a 3-0 advantage in the all-time series, most recently winning in December 2022.

The Orange counter with a balanced attack featuring four double-figure scorers and an offense averaging 82.7 points on 53 percent shooting. Sophomore forward Donnie Freeman leads the way at 17.7 points per game, while freshman Kiyan Anthony has emerged as a second scoring option. Syracuse’s pressure defense has forced opponents into 18.3 turnovers per game, and that disruption has created a 23-5 advantage in points off turnovers, an area that could once again tilt the matchup in its favor Tuesday night.

Game Notes

GAME PREVIEW LINKS

• Syracuse Welcomes Monmouth for Tuesday Matchup (Cuse.com)
• Syracuse injury updates for JJ Starling, Tyler Betsey for Monmouth game (Syracuse.com)
• How to watch, key storylines as Syracuse basketball hosts Monmouth on Tuesday night (InsideTheLoudHouse.com)
• Syracuse looks to continue their unbeaten start when Monmouth visits the Dome (SI.com)
• Syracuse Basketball: Kiyan Anthony, Naithan George leading a dynamic backcourt (InsideTheLoudHouse.com)
• Beat writers predict Syracuse will blow out Monmouth to stay undefeated (DailyOrange.com)

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Kyle Evans

Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.