The Siena Saints and the Syracuse Orange will square off on October 18, 2026, inside MVP Arena in Albany, New York, in a highly anticipated exhibition that marks the first Division I meeting between the two programs.
A Tribute to a Coach’s Legacy
The matchup is more than a showcase; it is a tribute to Gerry McNamara, who guided Siena to a Metro Conference title in 2026 before stepping down to become head coach at Syracuse.
Siena will use the occasion to hoist its 2026 championship banner, a visual reminder of the program’s rapid ascent under McNamara’s leadership.
Adding intrigue, three former Siena standouts — Gavin Doty, Francis Folefac and Taman Goodrick — will wear the Orange jersey for the first time, joining the new coaching era overseen by Nevada Smith.
Smith, who inherited a program that had posted a 4‑28 record, orchestrated a turnaround that culminated in a league championship within two seasons, and his debut will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Individual tickets for the game are on sale through the Siena athletics website, and the contest forms part of the Saints’ season‑ticket package, offering early‑season excitement for the upcoming schedule.
The game also marks the first Division I exhibition between Siena and Syracuse, a milestone that follows earlier meetings with Division III opponents and a 2004 visit to MVP Arena where Syracuse defeated Siena 78‑56.
Looking ahead, Siena is slated to face Seton Hall on November 28, continuing a schedule that blends historic remembrance with fresh competitive challenges.