Syracuse, NY - Onondaga Men's Basketball opened up the 2025-26 season with a 76-65 victory over the JV squad from Nazareth University in the Allyn Hall Gymnasium. The win is Head Coach, Mike Sugamosto's first ever with the Lazers.

The Lazers' starting five included Richmond, VA Sophomore Shombe Jackson, Brooklyn Freshman Nyqwan Morris, Cicero Sophomore Rosco Polos, Syracuse Freshman Garang Garang, and Geneva Sophomore Brian Whitley.

The Golden Flyers hit a pair of threes to start things off, but Onondaga responded with a pair of their own from Nyqwan Morris and Garang Garang. The outside shooting continued but both teams struggled to finish underneath.

The Lazers put on .defensive pressure early on, resulting in a few Nazareth turnovers and OCC able to take a lead. Another three from Morris began a 12-2 run for OCC, causing a Nazareth timeout. The Golden Flyers took a quick 6-0 run out of the huddle, forcing OCC's first timeout. Nazareth cut it to one out of the huddle with a three but a Caiden Evans three kept the Lazers' lead.

Both teams began driving to the hoop, putting some in foul trouble early, including lone returner, Lucio Cole picking up his second foul with nine to go in the first half. 

Nazareth had a chance to take the lead with just under four minutes remaining in the first, but a missed three gave the Lazers' possession to extend their lead to four. The Lazers' continued to extend their lead with second chances off offensive boards.

Nazareth had the final possession of the half, but couldn't get a good look, sending the Lazers into the half with a 39-33 lead.

Morris started things up again for the Lazers in the second half with a layup off the steal and assist from Garang. Garang kept things hot with a three for a ten point lead for OCC, immediately followed by a Shombe Jackson steal for a Polos layup, forcing a Nazareth timeout.

The Lazers continued to keep a consistent ten point lead over the Golden Flyers until they started to pull away grabbing a 61-48 lead with just under nine minutes.

Nazareth clawed their way back within eight after a Brian Whitley dunk and technical foul for taunting sent the Golden Flyers to the line with five and a half to go. The Lazers stayed composed, out-rebounding and drawing fouls.

The Lazers took their largest lead of the game at 73-59 with three minutes to go, bringing in the Nazareth subs. The Lazers walked off the court 1-0, taking the 76-65 victory.

The Lazers shot 50.0% from the three point line. Nyqwan Morris led all scorers with 23 points and Brian Whitley recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Garang Garang dropped 15 as well.

OCC will travel to No. 11 Genesee Community College for their first conference matchup with the Cougars this Wednesday, November 5th with a 7pm tip-off.

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