Syracuse vs. Rider basketball: what you need to know

Syracuse, New York – Syracuse and Rider will meet on Saturday night at the Carrier Dome in a game between two teams who have both faced the coronavirus.

This is the third game of the season for the Orange and the opening of the season for the Broncs.

Rider had to cancel the first three games of the season. The Bronces were scheduled to play at Penn State, Rutgers and Fairleigh Dickinson, but games were called off due to a positive coronavirus test in the Rider program.

The Broncs had to suspend all team-related activities from Nov. 4 to Nov. 18.

Syracuse has had two players plus head coach Jim Boeheim tested positive in recent weeks. The first positive result forced the Orange to suspend all activities for 12 days before the season opener against Bryant.

Earlier this week, an unidentified walk-on from Syracuse tested positive. He and several other players, including starting goalie Buddy Boeheim, must have missed the Orange game against Niagara on Thursday due to the contact tracing protocol.

The Syracuse-Rider game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. (a change from the previously announced whistleblower time) and will be televised on the YES Network.

Here are 5 key things to know about tonight’s game:

Buddy out; Kadary watch

As home buddy Boeheim watched, Syracuse freshman Kadary Richmond had a long run in the Orange’s 75-45 win over Niagara.

Richmond started and played 35 minutes. He scored 16 points, had seven rebounds, provided six assists, blocked three shots and won four steals in a stat sheet-stuffing performance.

The 6-foot-5 Richmond will have more playing time tonight as Boeheim continues to maintain the mandatory quarantine.

List of rider redone

Equestrian coach Kevin Baggett has lost all five starters for last year’s squad that went 18-12 for the year and 12-8 at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

The Broncs have 12 newcomers on their roster. Baggett’s most experienced players are Christian Ings, 6-2 in the sophomore, who averaged 4.9 points per game last season; 6-8 junior Ajiri Ogemuno-Johnson; and 6-10 center Tyrell Blanden.

But keep an eye out for Rodney “Rocket” Henderson Jr., a 6-5 goaltender who averaged 10.6 points per game at Cal State Northridge two years ago and missed most of last season due to a wound.

Double quincy

Quincy Guerrier posted three double doubles as a rookie, but in just two games this season, the Syracuse sophomore has made back-to-back doubles.

Warrior racked up a career-high 15 points and 13 rebounds in SU’s season-opening victory over Bryant, then returned with a career-high 23 points and 13 tables in Thursday’s win over Niagara.

Syracuse needs Guerrier’s productivity with starting center Bourama Sidibe missing for at least a month with a torn meniscus.

However, Guerrier took advantage of working in more space as Marek Dolezaj, who replaced Sidibe in the center, is able to bring out the opposing tall man. Guerrier has nine offensive rebounds in just two games and is 16-for-22 on the field.

And, in case you were wondering, Syracuse’s record for most double-doubles in a season is 29, held jointly by Derrick Coleman and Rudy Hackett.

Albany transfer

Among Rider’s newcomers is Malachi de Sousa, a transfer from Albany. A 6-foot-6 forward, de Sousa started 21 games for Albany last season and averaged 5.9 points and 4.3 rebounds.

De Sousa is from Beacon, New York, which is the hometown of former Syracuse star Elijah Hughes. Like Hughes, de Sousa also attended South Kent (Conn.) Prep. In addition to playing basketball, de Sousa also registered a year in football, playing wide receiver and cornerback.

The shooting of Girard

Syracuse needs Joe Girard to find his shooting touch.

Girard went 2 for 14 on the field in Syracuse’s opener, making just two of his nine 3-point attempts. Thursday against Niagara, Girard was not much better. He was 3-for-11 off the floor and 1-for-6 on 3 points.

After the Niagara game, SU coach Jim Boeheim said the team’s lack of training over the past two weeks could be a reason for Girard’s shooting difficulties.

As Buddy Boeheim is not expected to play for the next two games, Girard has to go. Syracuse was just 5 for 23 over the 3-point arc against Niagara. The Orange might be able to overcome that sort of performance against the Purple Eagles, but it won’t against upcoming opponents like Rutgers and Boston College.

If Richmond runs the point, Girard should be able to run around some screens and find open shots.

More basketball from Syracuse:

League coach Jim Boeheim on Kadary Richmond: “He has enormous skills”

Even without Buddy Boeheim, Syracuse easily manages Niagara

Former SU player Howard Washington picks off season in Southern Alabama

SU Bourama Sidibe center suffers from a torn meniscus; will be absent for 4 weeks

Mike Waters is a reporter for the Syracuse Post-Standard and syracuse.com. Do you have a comment or a story idea? He can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected].