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Syracuse Men’s Basketball Begins Season Against Lehigh

Cooney Layup
MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI
/
cuse.com
Syracuse’s Trevor Cooney (#10, White) attempts a layup in a 57-47 win over Lehigh on November 13, 2015.

The 2022-23 Syracuse Men’s Basketball season begins on Monday, November 7, when Lehigh travels to the JMA Wireless Dome. SU hasn’t lost its first game of the year since a defeat against defending national champion Virginia in 2019. Ahead of that loss, the Orange hadn’t dropped a season opener since 2003. ‘Cuse head coach Jim Boeheim is 41-5 all-time in season starters. Syracuse has taken care of business in each of its last two season-openers, with a one-point victory over Bryant in 2020 and a 34-point blowout of Lafayette a year ago.

Lehigh’s one and only matchup with Syracuse came in the Orange’s 2015 tip-off. The combo of senior Michael Gbinije and freshman Malachi Richardson combined for 30 points and guided ‘Cuse to a 57-47 triumph. SU dominated in the first half and gained a 20-point advantage over Lehigh. But the Mountain Hawks weren’t finished, as they went on a 12-0 run to cut the Orange lead to six with just under 13 minutes remaining. Syracuse responded with two consecutive three-pointers from sophomore Kaleb Joseph and grad student Trevor Cooney to solidify the lead. ‘Cuse and Lehigh were supposed to meet in the 315 last December, but COVID-19 forced the game to be canceled.

Syracuse's Malachi Richardson (#23, White) mid-shot attempt during a 57-47 win over Lehigh on November 13, 2015.
MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI
/
cuse.con
Syracuse's Malachi Richardson (#23, White) mid-shot attempt during a 57-47 win over Lehigh on November 13, 2015.

SU comes off the heels of the first sub-.500 season during the Jim Boeheim era. The Orange went 16-17 in 2021-22 and failed to make the NCAA Tournament for the second time in the past three seasons. As the No. 9 seed, ‘Cuse came up nine points short to No. 1 seed Duke in the ACC Tournament Quarterfinals. Syracuse lost its top-two scorers to the NBA, as Buddy Boeheim (19.2 PPG) is a Detroit Piston and Cole Swider (13.9 PPG) is a Los Angeles Laker.

The two returners poised to lead SU against Lehigh are a pair of seniors in guard Joseph Girard III and center Jesse Edwards. Girard improved immensely in his junior year, setting career-highs in points (13.8), assists (4.2), and steals (1.6) per game. JG3’s efficiency was arguably his most important development. The Glens Falls native knocked down 2.7 three-pointers per game on a career-best 40.3% clip. Edwards had a breakout campaign shortened to 24 games because of a broken wrist in early February. The Mad Professor averaged 12 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 rebounds a night.

The Mountain Hawks finished 2021-22 with a 13-19 mark and their third straight losing season. Lehigh’s run in the Patriot League Tournament ended in the semifinals to Colgate. The most recent Patriot League team the Orange played was the Raiders, who handed SU a stunning 15-point loss in The Dome last November. Lehigh’s head coach, Dr. Brett Reed, has been at the helm since 2007. Reed guided the Mountain Hawks to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in 2010 and 2012. Lehigh’s most notable win under Reed’s leadership came during the 2012 March Madness Tournament. In the first round, the Mountain Hawks shocked the Blue Devils of Duke as a No. 15 seed. Reed’s most impactful returner is senior guard Evan Taylor. The third team All-Patriot League selection averaged 13 PPG on 47.2% shooting from the field and 41.2% shooting from long distance.

Game time between Syracuse and Lehigh is at 8:00 p.m. WAER’s coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. with the McClurg Team Countdown to Tip-off.