Albany’s MVP Arena buzzed with college basketball energy this past weekend as the Siena Saints faced off against the Syracuse Orange in a highly anticipated exhibition game — and while Syracuse edged out the victory, it was Siena’s spirited performance that had local fans talking.

According to the Times Union, Syracuse held off Siena to win the exhibition contest at MVP Arena, but multiple reporters noted that the Saints put up a genuinely competitive fight throughout the game. The Troy Record described it as a “banner day for Siena,” capturing the enthusiasm surrounding the program heading into the new season.

Syracuse.com’s Donna Ditota noted in her Quick Hits column that Syracuse “squeaks by a game Siena team,” a characterization that speaks volumes about how well the Saints competed against a major ACC program. The Troy Record further highlighted that Siena’s promising future took center stage in the exhibition, with the young roster impressing observers despite the final result.

For Siena head coach Gerry McNamara — the beloved former Syracuse guard known as “G-Mac” — the game carried special meaning beyond the scoreboard. Multiple outlets, including the Troy Record and the Saratogian, reported on the significance of McNamara’s return to face his alma mater, framing the matchup as a milestone moment for both the coach and the program he is building in Loudonville.

The exhibition at MVP Arena gave Capital Region basketball fans an early-season treat, drawing coverage from outlets across the region and shining a spotlight on Siena’s potential as the Saints gear up for their upcoming campaign. With a competitive showing against a Power Five opponent and a beloved local coach at the helm, the mood around Siena basketball heading into the 2026–27 season is decidedly optimistic.

Sources: Times Union, Troy Record, Troy Record, Troy Record