A Milestone Meeting at MVP Arena
Siena’s men’s basketball program is set to open its 2026‑27 campaign with a much‑anticipated preseason exhibition against the storied Syracuse Orange, scheduled for October 18 at 2 p.m. inside the historic MVP Arena.
The matchup serves as a tribute to Siena’s recent MAAC championship, a title that was secured with the help of several Syracuse alumni — Gavin Doty, Francis Folefac and Tasman Goodrick — who now return to the spotlight alongside former head coach Gerry McNamara, who guided the Saints to their seventh MAAC crown and eighth NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023.
Adding another layer of narrative, Nevada Smith, the newly appointed head coach, will lead the squad through a season that features five returning letter‑winners and a wave of 11 newcomers, including three transfers and eight freshmen eager to make their mark.
Historically, the Orange have dominated the series, holding a 7‑1 edge over Siena, highlighted by a 97‑89 victory in 2007; nevertheless, the Saints hope that the familiar confines of MVP Arena will provide the spark needed to flip the script.
This exhibition marks the third consecutive year that Siena has staged a home‑court preseason game, a tradition that began in 2004 when the first contest drew a crowd of 14,743 fans in Albany, setting a precedent for community engagement and ticket sales.
Tickets for the event start at $20 and can be purchased online, by phone, or via email, offering fans an affordable gateway to witness the early stages of a season that will also include a 20‑game Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference schedule.
The upcoming season will be packaged with a ticket bundle that grants priority access to postseason games and discounts on official merchandise, underscoring the university’s commitment to enriching the fan experience.
As the Saints prepare to take the court, the blend of celebrated alumni, a fresh coaching philosophy, and a hungry roster promises a compelling start to what many expect to be a breakthrough year for Siena basketball.