SYRACUSE, N.Y.  – The Lafayette College men's basketball team dropped a 97-63 decision to open the season Tuesday night at the hands of ACC-foe Syracuse inside the Carrier Dome.
 
After winning the opening tip, junior Leo O'Boyle knocked down the 3-pointer to give the Leopards their first and only lead as the home team proceeded to go on an 11-1 run heading into the game's first media timeout.
 
O'Boyle was one of three Leopards to get into double figures scoring the basketball with 14 points to tie for the team high, joined by sophomore Kyle Jenkins and senior Tyrone Perry who scored 11.
 
Syracuse shot it over 50% from the floor and from 3-point range as a unit and exploded on a 13-0 run midway through the first half before Jenkins hit a triple to put an end to the outburst.
 
The Maroon and White showed fight late in the first half as freshman Devin Hines and Perry combined for an 8-3 run heading into the final media timeout of the half. Hines converted from deep and Perry had a triple and a lay-up.
 
The Orange asserted themselves in the second half, starting the second on a 10-2 run.
 
Lafayette's final outburst forced Syracuse into a timeout as sophomore Eric Sondberg connected on a triple and Jenkins scored a transition layup.
 
All 14 Leopards saw action and all four freshmen made their collegiate debuts. Rookie Devin Hines led the newcomers with nine points off the bench, including a 2-for-2 performance from deep.
 
Lafayette turns its attention to the home opener on Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Cornell inside Kirby Sports Center. Ticket information can be found on GoLeopards.com/tickets.
 
For the latest on the Lafayette College men's basketball program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteMBB and Instagram @lafayettembb.