BUFFALO, N.Y. — As college basketball season makes its return, some local Western New York teams are also getting back onto the court.
The Canisius Golden Griffins men's team traveled to Syracuse to take on the Orange in their first away game of the year. Canisius lost 89-77.
The Griffins started strong, never falling below a seven-point deficit until the end of the first half. They missed their mark though, as they failed to convert on free throws all night long, specifically in the first half though as they went 4-14 with a 28.6 percentage.
Canisius had the upper hand in second-chance points, bench points, and rebounds during the first half, but could only put up 32 points to Syracuse's 41 to close out the half.
Tre Dinkins and Bryce Okpoh led the way on offense for the Griffins with seven points each to close out the first half.
The Griffins were able to stick with the Orange even closer during the second half, as each team was able to put up over 40 points by the final buzzer.
It was Syracuse's turn on the free throw side of things, making 12 of 17 opportunities in the second half.
The Orange also led with rebounds, points in the paint, and points off of turnovers during the second half. They even had a 20-point lead at one point, which would eventually pave the way for their win over Canisius.
As for the Niagara Purple Eagles women's team, it opened the season at home against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at the Gallagher Center.
Wasting no time, the Purple Eagles dominated throughout the game en route to a 24-point victory over the Bonnies.
Leading the way for Niagara was Aaliyah Parker with 12 points, Lore Porter with 11, and Destiny Strother plus Shelby Fiddler with 10.
For St. Bonaventure, Nadechka Laccen put up 10 points while Isabellah Middleton had nine.
Niagara utilized their 17 points off turnovers and 12 fast-break points to ultimately take the win 75-51 over St. Bonaventure.
Canisius travels to St. Bonaventure on Saturday for a 4 p.m. tip-off at the Reilly Center. Niagara plays host to Duquesne on Saturday at 1 p.m. for military appreciation day, and St. Bonaventure will also play at home against Robert Morris University at 1:30 p.m.
