Syracuse Basketball: Who Will SU Turn into Crunch Time?

The Syracuse Orange lost their first game of the 2026-27 regular season to the Indiana Hoosiers on Monday night, 83-80.

Our own Brady Farkas offered his biggest takeaways from the Orange's first defeat.

In the final seconds of the game, training by three, sophomore guard Kiyan Anthony took a deep three-point attempt to tie the game. This was the first time that the Orange have faced a late-game scenario where they needed to find a playmaker.

Freshman guard Ryan Moesch also made some field goals late to help keep the Orange in contention for the win. But the next time that Syracuse is in that position, who should they be turning to?

Let's explore.

Aiden Tobiason- Tobiason, a transfer from Temple, did not play in the Orange's loss to Indiana on Monday night because of a continued leg injury. Some Orange fans may believe that had Tobiason been available, Syracuse could have pulled the upset over the Hoosiers. A junior, Tobiason's experience and skillset could make him an ideal late-game person.

Kiyan Anthony- Despite missing the game-tying shot on Monday, Anthony's offensive outputs have the best on the team through three games. Anthony's size, along with his ability to get to the basket, could prove to be an asset in late game spots. He scored 16 in the loss on Monday.

Gavin Doty- Doty served in this role during his time with head coach Gerry McNamara at Siena. An All-MAAC selection last season, Doty has proven he can handle the pressure in those spots. He had just five in this game, however.

Mark Morano or Sadiq White- White's size and Morano's outside shooting ability can both be considered. Whether or not they get the ball likely depends on the situation in the moment.

College basketball is much different than the NBA in terms of finding a clutch-time player. The NBA focuses more on finding a specific player at all times, whether that be Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Allen Iverson or someone else.

In the college game, finding a consistent mismatch in late-game scenarios with a high talent type of player like those listed above is much more difficult. Each matchup, scenario and setting will likely dictate McNamara's decision-making process on who the ball will go to in late game moments.

Like most coaches, McNamara will draw up a play that gives the Orange the best look for a shot, and will rotate the priority shooter in each scenario. 

Orange fans will have to wait more than week before they see this team back in action at the JMA Wireless Dome. Syracuse's next scheduled home game is set for Nov. 18 it takes on the Cornell Big Red. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET. However, SU is back on the floor on Sunday at Madison Square Garden when they take on St. John's (2 p.m. ET).