Kiyan Anthony Scores 17 in Syracuse Opener

Syracuse opened its season with a 74-58 win over New Haven, led in scoring by second-year guard Kiyan Anthony.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball

Kiyan Anthony Scores 17 in Syracuse Opener

Kiyan Anthony scored a team-high 17 points off the bench as Syracuse defeated New Haven 74-58 in its season opener Monday night. The second-year Syracuse player shot 5-for-12 from the floor and 2-for-8 from three-point range.

Why it matters

Syracuse's early performance offers a first look at how its bench scoring may shape the team's depth this season. Anthony's output suggests a role as a sparkplug scorer, though his development will be tested as conference play approaches.

Anthony shot 5-for-12 from the floor and 2-for-8 from three-point range, adding five-of-six free throws, three rebounds, three assists, and no turnovers in 25 minutes. Whether his efficiency holds against stronger conference defenses has not yet been tested.

The players

Kiyan Anthony

Kiyan Anthony is a second-year Syracuse guard and the son of NBA veteran Carmelo Anthony.

The details

Anthony came off the bench and airballed a three-pointer soon after checking in, but he found his rhythm by making a three later in the game. The win gave Syracuse a strong start at JMA Wireless Dome against New Haven.

Monday night: Syracuse opened its season with a 74-58 win over New Haven.

Season Trajectory

Syracuse's bench production early in the season could influence its depth heading into conference play. Anthony's development as a scorer will shape how the program is judged during a season that has only just begun.

Anthony's 17-point effort gives fantasy and bench-depth watchers an early read on Syracuse's second-unit scoring. His three rebounds and three assists add to his all-around contribution, which matters for rotation planning.

The takeaway

Early bench production can give a young guard room to develop, and Anthony's first game offers a useful baseline for judging his growth. Watching his three-point shooting over the next several games will show whether his efficiency improves.