UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- The Syracuse Orange men's basketball team suffered a 72-52 loss in the exhibition opener of the 2026-27 season on Tuesday night at Mohegan Sun Arena.

While the loss to the UConn Huskies was tough, it did represent a chance to see some things in action, and it offered a chance for some reflection and self-scouting.

After the game, sophomore forward Sadiq White Jr. delivered a blunt assessment of what the team - and he - personally need to do better moving forward.

"Just ​execute ​down ​the ​stretch, get ​into ​the ​second ​action, ​and ​to set ​screens ​for ​each ​other. ​The ​little ​things. ​We ​got ​beat ​on ​the ​little ​things ​today. ​Ultimately, ​I ​can't ​go ​out ​there ​and ​have ​one ​rebound. That's ​unacceptable ​on ​my ​behalf. ​So, I've got to get in there​,​stick ​my ​nose ​in ​there ​and ​just ​be ​better ​all ​around. ​Get ​in ​there for ​my ​guys. ​Help ​them ​out ​on ​that ​end. ​Yeah. ​Just ​executing ​down ​the ​stretch."

Though White's self-criticism was fair, he did lead the team in scoring with 17 points. He also connected on two 3-pointers, which was something he really worked on in this offseason. However, he's right: This team needs more from him on the glass. One of the most athletic players in the program, he has a leaping ability that is an undeniable advantage. He needs to be able to use it, and he needs to pair it with strength, physicality and a desire to rebound.

The 6-foot-9 native of North Carolina appeared in 31 games last season as a freshman, averaging 6.1 ppg and 3.3 rebounds. He elected to stay in the program through the coaching transition from Adrian Autry to Gerry McNamara. With his athleticism, he's one of the most important players on the Orange roster this season.

The Orange will be back in action on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. ET against the Siena University Saints in Albany. This is a game against a mid-major opponent, so Syracuse should have an easier time fixing some of what ailed it against UConn. The Orange were out-rebounded 34-26 and finished at just 30 percent shooting.

This game will also be a homecoming for McNamara, as well as players Gavin Doty, Francis Folefac and Tasman Goodrick. Each was at Siena last season when the Saints won the MAAC Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The Saints will be raising the MAAC championship banner as part of this experience, since it's the only chance to get everyone back together this season.

Syracuse will play a third and final preseason game on Oct. 24 against Niagara in Buffalo.