The Syracuse Orange men's basketball team took its first look of the 2018-19 season at Madison Square Garden in the 2K Empire Classic on Thursday, falling to ex-Big East rival UConn 83-76.

For a Syracuse team that returns several key players, it was freshman Jalen Carey who shined, scoring 26 points. The Harlem native scored 17 of those in the second half and went 7-of-8 from the field. But it wasn't enough to overcome a hot shooting night for the Huskies who shot 49% for the game and 12-of-21 from 3-point range.

Jalen Adams and Alterique Gilbert each scored 16 from Connecticut.

The 15th ranked Orange drop to 2-1 and have a quick turnaround. They play No. 13 Oregon on Friday afternoon at 4:30 at MSG as the 2K Empire Classic continues.

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