Syracuse Leads Niagara at Halftime in Exhibition
Syracuse holds a 33-26 lead over Niagara following a dominant first-half performance in Buffalo.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Basketball
Syracuse controlled the first half of their exhibition game against Niagara, entering the locker room with a 33-26 lead. The Orange established an early advantage by opening the contest with a 10-0 scoring run.
Why it matters
The exhibition serves as a critical test for both rosters to refine rotations and chemistry before the start of the regular season. Establishing early defensive intensity and rebounding margins provides a blueprint for success in the upcoming schedule.
Syracuse shot 43% from the field compared to 32% for Niagara throughout the first half. The Orange also dominated the glass, ending the half with 25 total rebounds to Niagara's 12.
The players
Syracuse
This is a collegiate basketball program that competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Niagara
This is a collegiate basketball program representing the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Amarri Monroe
This is a student-athlete currently participating in the exhibition game for Syracuse.
Francis Folefac
This is a student-athlete competing for Syracuse who converted a three-point shot in the first half.
The details
Syracuse surged ahead early, as Niagara failed to score for the first 6 minutes and 44 seconds of the game, allowing the Orange to build a lead that peaked at 17 points. Francis Folefac contributed to the scoring surge with a three-pointer, while Amarri Monroe finished the half with 5 points and nine different players scored for Syracuse.
Timeline
The exhibition game took place on October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition game aligns with the NCAA Division I exhibition season protocol designed to prepare rosters for competitive play. These early matchups serve to integrate new talent and solidify tactical rotations that will define the team's standing in conference play.
Syracuse's ability to maintain a 17-point lead suggests an effective defensive rotation and early-season dominance on the boards. The rotation of nine different scorers in the first half indicates a deep bench approach for the coaching staff moving forward.
The takeaway
Early exhibition scoring runs and defensive stops often highlight which players have acclimated to the team's system during the offseason. Fans should watch for how bench depth and rotation patterns evolve as the final score becomes official.
What happens next
The game will continue into the second half, and the final results will be recorded upon the game's conclusion.
Further reading
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