Syracuse Faces Indiana in Indianapolis Monday
The non-conference men's basketball matchup pits two teams unbeaten at 2-0 and comes with NCAA Tournament implications.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Basketball
Syracuse and Indiana meet in a non-conference men's basketball game in Indianapolis on Monday night. Both teams are 2-0 this season, and the winner takes a step toward an NCAA Tournament berth.
Why it matters
The game matters to two programs that have each been absent from March Madness recently, with Syracuse out since 2021 and Indiana out since 2023. It also marks an early test for Syracuse's new coaching staff under Gerry McNamara.
Syracuse is 2-0 after a 102-49 win over Central Connecticut State, while Indiana is 2-0 after wins over Eastern Illinois (91-57) and Bellarmine (92-69). Kiyan Anthony is averaging 15.5 points per game for Syracuse, but how the two teams match up on the court remains to be seen.
The players
Gerry McNamara
McNamara is the new head coach of Syracuse, the program where he previously starred as a player.
Kiyan Anthony
Anthony is a Syracuse guard averaging 15.5 points per game this season and is one of two returning players from last year's squad.
The details
The game is scheduled for Monday night in Indianapolis. Syracuse, coached by Gerry McNamara in his first season, retained Sadiq White Jr. and Kiyan Anthony from last year's 15-17 squad.
Timeline
1987: Keith Smart's 16-foot jumper with four seconds left gave Indiana a one-point win over Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament championship game.
2021: Syracuse made its most recent NCAA Tournament appearance.
2023: Indiana made its most recent NCAA Tournament appearance.
Monday, November 9, 2026: Syracuse and Indiana play in Indianapolis.
Historical Rivalry
Indiana's 1987 national championship win over Syracuse, decided by Keith Smart's 16-foot jumper with four seconds left, remains the defining moment between the two programs. Monday's meeting revives that rivalry as both teams look to return to March Madness after recent absences.
The result will shape early NCAA Tournament positioning for both programs, and fantasy managers tracking Kiyan Anthony should note his 15.5-point scoring average. Fans in Indianapolis will have a local look at two programs seeking to return to the tournament.
The takeaway
Both teams are unbeaten early, so Monday's result will offer an early read on whether either program can compete for an NCAA Tournament bid this season. Watch the scoring output of Kiyan Anthony for Syracuse as a key indicator.
Further reading
For more on college hoops across the country, explore Basketball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by [your]NEWS - Freddy Peralta to make Rays' debut vs. Rockies - The Tampa Bay Rays were active right up to Monday night's trade deadline, and their most significant addition is set to debut with his new team on Tuesday. Right-hander Freddy Peralta (5-9, 4.99 ERA), acquired from the New York Mets on Sunday, will be on the mound when Tampa Bay plays the second contest of.
