After barely escaping nearby Le Moyne in its 2024-25 season opener, Syracuse basketball will host another non-conference foe in close geographic proximity this Tuesday night.
The Orange, on November 12, will welcome Patriot League powerhouse Colgate to the JMA Wireless Dome. In the history of Syracuse basketball, the 'Cuse has played the Raiders more times than any other opponent.
In their all-time series together, per SU Athletics, the Orange has a 128-47 advantage over Colgate. In recent years, the Raiders ended a massive 54-game losing streak to the 'Cuse and beat Syracuse basketball twice in a row on the Hill.
A term ago, in 2023-24, Colgate built up a 24-point lead over the 'Cuse early in the second half, however, Syracuse basketball stormed back to prevail by four points, 79-75.
Given the Orange's struggles against Le Moyne, with the 'Cuse winning 86-82, I'd expect the Raiders to give Syracuse basketball all it can handle this Tuesday evening.
How to watch Syracuse basketball host Colgate in a key non-conference clash.
On Tuesday, the Raiders (1-1) and the Orange (1-0) are scheduled to tip off at 7:00 pm, with coverage available on the ACC Network Extra and ESPN+.
Ahead of 2024-25 commencing, Colgate was picked to finish first in the Patriot League, according to that conference's preseason poll. Led by terrific head coach Matt Langel, the Raiders are coming off their fourth consecutive Patriot League crown in 2023-24, and fifth in six years. Colgate has also earned invites to the last five NCAA Tournaments that were held.
In 2024-25, however, the Raiders have a much different roster. Gone from last season's squad are Patriot League player of the year Braeden Smith, who transferred to Gonzaga, as well as All-Patriot League selections Keegan Records and Ryan Moffatt, both of whom graduated.
So far in the current campaign, Colgate has conquered SUNY-Canton at home and lost to Drexel on the road. In their 17-point setback at Drexel, the Raiders had a woeful shooting display, hitting on just 33.3 percent from the field and 16.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Then again, in the Orange's season-opening victory versus Le Moyne, the 'Cuse connected on a paltry 18 percent from 3-point land. Syracuse basketball will need to hit from a much higher percentage from deep if it hopes to knock off Colgate, with guys such as junior small forward Chris Bell, junior guard J.J. Starling and freshman shooting guard Elijah Moore, among others, pivotal in that department.
Most importantly, though, the fan base would love to see a much better defensive effort by Syracuse basketball this Tuesday night. The Raiders have had recent success against the Orange and won't be fazed by playing in the Dome. This should prove a fun encounter in Central New York.