Syracuse vs. Niagara

Syracuse is hosting a men’s basketball exhibition game against Niagara on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m. at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. It marks the second consecutive season the Orange have played at KeyBank Center.

Last October, Syracuse hosted Buffalo in an exhibition tilt. “We’re excited to once again host Syracuse basketball as they take on Niagara University. We know there are many passionate basketball fans throughout our region, and this is a tremendous opportunity for them to experience high-level college basketball in Buffalo,” said Pete Guelli, Buffalo Sabres president of business operations. “Providing unique opportunities for our fans and bringing a diverse mix of sports and entertainment to KeyBank Center is something we will continue to focus on as an organization.” Syracuse The Orange are in their first campaign with former standout Gerry McNamara as head coach.

McNamara guided Siena to the 2026 MAAC Tournament title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament, before returning to his alma mater. The Syracuse roster includes returning sophomores Kiyan Anthony (8.0 ppg., 1.4 rpg.) and Sadiq White Jr. (6.1 ppg., 3.3 rpg.).

McNamara and his staff recruited six incoming transfers, including Temple guard Aiden Tobiason (15.3 ppg., 3.7 rpg.), a junior, and guard Gavin Doty (18.0 ppg., 6.9 rpg.), a junior and 2025-26 MAAC First Team honoree at Siena. The Orange also welcomed five freshmen.

Niagara Former Christian Brothers Academy (Syracuse, N.Y.) and Duke standout Greg Paulus is in his eighth campaign as Niagara head coach. His staff includes assistant coach Jake Presutti ’08, a former Syracuse men’s basketball player and graduate manager.

Senior guard Trenton Walters (6.1 ppg., 1.5 rpg.) is a top returning player for the Purple Eagles. The list of 12 newcomers includes transfers Tae Blackshear (6.8 ppg., 1.6 rpg.), a senior guard from Youngstown State and fifth-year guard Cole Farrell (6.4 ppg., 2.2 rpg.) from Long Beach State.