In 2008, Bryant basketball began its transition to the Divison I level after having big success at the Division II level. Now, they were just one point away from upsetting Syracuse as both teams played their first games of the season in 2020.

When the final horn sounded, it was the Orange escaping with an 85-84 win. Syracuse fans exhaled from the seats of their couches, as the new-look Carrier Dome was empty due to COVID-19. Although it may have been one of the uglier wins of the season (the Orange opened as 22.5 point favorites), it was one that showed the resilience of the team. Syracuse had only practiced once in the last couple of weeks due to an internal outbreak, and it showed on Friday. The team was sloppy on both sides, looking lost on defense and allowing the Bulldogs several open looks, including two in the final seconds. Bryant finished 13-37 (35.1%) from deep, while the Orange managed just 10-35 (28.6%).

Some good news

Despite the shortcomings, Syracuse had some bright spots. Buddy Boheim finished with a team-high 23 points, hitting a couple of big shots down the stretch. Marek Dolezaj added 20 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, including a huge offensive rebound off a missed Syracuse free throw in the final minute. Illinois transfer Alan Griffen looked solid as well, going 3-9 from deep and pouring in 14 points off the bench, adding in a highlight reel one-handed dunk to his ledger.

Blazing Bulldogs

Bryant got off to a fast start, taking a 51-44 lead into the half. They finished shooting 43.7% from the floor. The biggest issue for the Bulldogs was their sloppy ball-handling. Bryant turned the ball over 20 times compared to Syracuse’s 13. One of Bryant’s biggest starts was Liverpool High School grad and New York State champion Charles Pride, who had 15 points in his homecoming. Despite the loss, Bryant seems to be going in the right direction after winning 15 games last season. Head coach Jared Grasso is now in year three at the helm and has the Bulldogs poised to compete in the Northeast Conference.

What’s next

Bryant returns to the floor on Friday, December 4 against Quinnipiac. The Orange will be hosting Niagara on Thursday, December 3.