A Historic Streak Continues
On December 16, 2026, the Syracuse Orange will welcome the Canisius Golden Griffins to the JMA Wireless Dome for the first meeting of the new season. The game marks the latest chapter in a rivalry that has seen the Orange dominate the series for more than two decades.
Syracuse enters the contest with a 47‑24 advantage in the all‑time series and a current 22‑game winning streak against the Griffins, a run that began in the 1944‑45 season. The most recent encounter on November 8, 2023 ended in an 89‑77 victory for the Orange, underscoring the depth of their historical edge.
Adding intrigue is the return of Gerry McNamara to the Syracuse bench. The former Orange standout, who previously guided Siena to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, now leads a program that has added six transfers — including Aiden Tobiason and Gavin Doty — to a core that features returning regulars Kiyan Anthony and Sadiq White Jr.
Canisius, under third‑year head coach Jim Christian, will field a completely overhauled roster. The team will rely on 13 newcomers and a single returning player, hoping the fresh talent can close the gap against a program that has consistently outperformed them over the years.
The matchup also highlights the broader landscape of college basketball in New York, with both schools situated in the state’s rich basketball tradition. Fans from Syracuse, Grand Island and Skaneateles are expected to travel, adding a regional flavor to what promises to be a competitive opener.