Sam Federman
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@NewhouseSU ‘27 • Metro + More Hoops @mid_madness • Intern @syracusedotcom • 🎙️ @BBBCBBPodcast, @DOSports • 📝 @basket_review, @nunesmagician • Past: @WSJ
Articles by Sam Federman
Stonehill College leaving NEC to join Metro Conference
Stonehill College is leaving the NEC and joining the Metro Conference for the 2027-28 academic year, multiple sources told Mid-Major Madness. The Skyhawks joined Division I in 2022-23, coming up from the Division II NE-10, and will play their fifth season in the NEC this year before leaving the conference. The story was first reported by Pete Thamel. The league announced the news later in the morning.
Stonehill College to join Metro Conference; leave NEC
Stonehill College is leaving the NEC and joining the Metro Conference for the 2027-28 academic year, multiple sources told Mid-Major Madness. The Skyhawks joined Division I in 2022-23, coming up from the Division II NE-10, and will play their fifth season in the NEC this year before leaving the conference. The story was first reported by Pete Thamel. The Metro Conference has been extremely aggressive in expansion since Fairfield announced its departure in June.
Emely Rodriguez sparks Syracuse runs in win over Siena
Syracuse, N.Y. — Emely Rodriguez picked up her second foul late in the first quarter of Syracuse’s game against Siena Wednesday night, and SU women’s basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack put her on the bench immediately. The Orange couldn’t separate from Siena with Rodriguez out of the game, and the Saints trailed by just two points late in the second quarter when Legette-Jack decided that it was time to put the Iowa transfer back on the floor. “She trusts me,” Rodriguez said.
Syracuse women’s basketball pulls away from Siena, improves to 3-0
Syracuse, N.Y. ― When Siena guard Nicole Melious connected on a three-pointer from the corner with just under two minutes remaining in the first quarter to give the Saints a 15-14 lead, it was the first time all season that the Syracuse women’s basketball team faced a deficit.
Bills take down Vikings in defensive struggle: Final score, recap, photos
The Buffalo Bills take on the Minnesota Vikings at 8:15 p.m., Monday at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game will air on ESPN. "Shout!" A Buffalo Bills football podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Watch Note: Refresh this page throughout the Bills game against the Vikings to see the latest updates The Buffalo Bills travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Vikings for a Monday Night Football game on Nov. 9, 2026.
Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings: Live score, updates
The Buffalo Bills take on the Minnesota Vikings at 8:15 p.m., Monday at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game will air on ESPN. “Shout!” A Buffalo Bills football podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Syracuse basketball vs. Indiana: Live score, updates
The Syracuse men’s basketball team takes on the Indiana Hoosiers at 6:30 p.m., Monday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The game will air on FS1. See in-game team and individual stats here. Chat with Brent Axe during the game and receive “Syracuse Sports” Insider Texts. Get your free trial today. Check out the “Inside Syracuse Basketball” podcast, hosted by Hall of Fame sportswriter Mike Waters.
METROCARD SWIPE: 5 Takeaways from the America East-Metro Challenge Original
The November 9 MetroCard Swipe with takeaways from the America East-Metro Challenge. Photo by Fairfield Athletics / Design by Hannah Butler (Mid-Major Madness) This story was going to be a continuation of last week’s story with how poorly Thursday went for the Metro. The conference went 3-6 in the home games of the America East-Metro Challenge, setting itself up for a tough mountain to climb on Sunday. But to the league’s credit, they climbed that mountain.
‘This is my play’: ‘30 special’ and a fix from Felisha Legette-Jack powers Uche Izoje’s big game
Syracuse, N.Y. — Angelica Velez yelled to the Syracuse bench with 2.9 seconds left in the first half. The Orange had a baseline out-of-bounds opportunity underneath the Cornell basket, looking to finish on a high note. There was only one play that the Orange would call. “It’s 30 special,” Uche Izoje said. Velez directed traffic setting up the play before receiving the ball from the official.
Syracuse women’s basketball routs Cornell. It gave up just 2 points in the 2nd quarter
Syracuse, N.Y. — Even though Emely Rodriguez missed the open corner 3-pointer, Cornell head coach Emily Garner had seen enough. She called for a timeout immediately as her Big Red grabbed the rebound. The game was getting away from Cornell, as Syracuse held it scoreless for five minutes and went on a 10-0 run to take a 10-point lead. The timeout didn’t matter.
‘What this program needs to be’: Amarri Monroe shines off the Syracuse bench Original
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Amarri Monroe sees the ball drop out of CCSU’s hands and starts sprinting. He makes a final play for the ball, diving on the floor to corral it. After a short jostle, Syracuse forces a tie-up with the possession arrow in its favor. The scoreboard read 92-45 with under four minutes to play. “What Amarri Monroe did,” head coach Gerry McNamara said.
St. Bonaventure’s Mike MacDonald returns to Koessler, hands Canisius a blowout loss Original
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Mike MacDonald spent 19 years of his life coming to work at Canisius College on Main Street. He spent nine of those years as head coach of the Golden Griffins, never making the NCAA Tournament. It was unlikely he’d ever have the chance to return as a Division I head coach. Over the last 20 years, he’s re-climbed the ladder, and on Saturday, he returned to the Koessler Center as head coach of the rival St. Bonaventure Bonnies.
Syracuse men’s basketball: Takeaways from the Orange’s 102-49 win over CCSU Original
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse Orange men’s basketball improved to 2-0 on Thursday night, handing Central Connecticut State a 102-49 drubbing inside the JMA Wireless Dome. Syracuse dominated from start to finish in the final buy game before the first two high-major matchups of the season. The Orange played a complete game, generating optimism leading into Monday’s matchup against Indiana in Indianapolis.
Syracuse basketball vs. Central Connecticut State: Live score, updates
Syracuse, N.Y. — The Syracuse men’s basketball team takes on the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at 7 p.m., Thursday inside the JMA Wireless Dome. The game is available to stream on ACC Network Extra. See in-game team and individual stats here. Chat with Brent Axe during the game and receive “Syracuse Sports” Insider Texts. Get your free trial today. Check out the “Inside Syracuse Basketball” podcast, hosted by Hall of Fame sportswriter Mike Waters.
Robbie Avila granted injunction, will dress for Saint Louis Friday Original
Robbie Avila has been granted an injunction for a fifth year of eligibility by St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Jason Sengheiser. The injunction, placed on Thursday, also prohibits the NCAA from enforcing its enshrined roster limits to keep Avila, the 2026 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, from playing for Saint Louis University.
Update: College Sports Commission says Robbie Avila can’t play for SLU
On Friday, Nov. 6, the College Sports Commission (CSC) sent out a media advisory saying it is baring Robbie Avila from playing for Saint Louis as he hopes, and has fought in various legal battles, to do. The CSC claims that Saint Louis cannot be allowed to exceed the 15-person roster limit.
Syracuse men’s basketball: predictions vs CCSU
The Syracuse Orange (1-0) men’s basketball is back in action tonight when the Central Connecticut Blue Devils (0-1) visit the JMA Dome. Tip-off is 7:00 and streaming on ACCNX. Here are our predictions for this one: Szuba: Syracuse 78, Central Connecticut 50 Let’s go with a more focused Syracuse team for two halves to close out an inferior team now that the emotions of the season-opener have passed. I like the Orange’s frontcourt here in this matchup, particularly on the offensive end.
What did mid-major fans learn on opening day?
Opening day is the most overwhelming day of college basketball all season. There were 118 Division I vs. Division I games, and another batch of Division I teams playing against non-Division I opponents. It's impossible to have eyes on everything, especially during the 7 p.m. Eastern window. So we asked fans to tell us what they saw from their teams on the first day of action. Here's what some of them said: Miami (OH) picked up one of the most impressive wins of the mid-major slate on Monday.
‘She’s like our spark’: Célaine Ricco steals the show in Syracuse women’s opener
Syracuse, N.Y. – Célaine Ricco checked into her Syracuse debut with 6 minutes to play in the first quarter. Just over a minute later, with SU ahead by two points, she swiped her right hand and poked the ball from Nalyce Dudley for her first steal in an Orange uniform. On the next possession, she stole it again. Two trips later, a third steal. Then a fourth and a fifth.
Syracuse women’s basketball smothers Sacred Heart in front of record crowd for home opener
Syracuse, N.Y. — Felisha Legette-Jack has been telling her team all summer that they need to “punch first,” dictate the tone and tempo of their games. On Tuesday, junior Keira Scott threw the first punch. She flew in from the weak side with a two-handed rejection on Sacred Heart’s first offensive possession. That made it clear that nothing on offense would come easy for Sacred Heart.
Syracuse women’s basketball: our 26-27 season predictions Original
Felisha Legette-Jack’s squad begins their season tonight at home against Sacred Heart. The TNIAAM staff goes over their overall record prediction, their conference record prediction, and postseason aspirations: Kevin 19-10, 11-7 NCAA 2nd Round It feels like this Syracuse team is also going to lean on their defense this season. The difference for the women is they have an All-ACC player in Uche Izoje to lean on.
TNIAAM roundtable: our thoughts on the 2026-2027 WBB roster Original
With the Syracuse Orange women’s basketball season starting tonight at 6:00 against Sacred Heart (ACCNX), we asked the staff to share some thoughts on Felisha Legette-Jack’s squad. Who is the best player for this Orange squad? Audrey: I think it has to be Uche Izoje, at least at this point. Disregarding her poor performance against UConn in preseason, her impact is felt from the second she steps onto the court on both the offensive and defensive ends.
METROCARD SWIPE: Opening night payment declined Original
Merrimack men’s basketball lost its season-opener in Rock Hill to App State Merrimack Athletics Joe Gallo woke up at 3 a.m. ahead of Merrimack’s opening game against App State. Team meal was completed by 3:33 a.m. But moments after Gallo’s team took the floor at 6 a.m., he probably wished he could curl up in bed. Todd Brogna picked up two early fouls; the Mountaineers had no problems breaking the zone and gashed it with shot-making. It was 16-3 at the first media timeout.
Syracuse men’s basketball: Takeaways from opening night win over New Haven Original
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse Orange men’s basketball defeated New Haven 74-58 on an emotional night at the JMA Wireless Dome. Coaching his first game at his alma mater just two days after the death of his father, Gerry McNamara starts his Orange career 1-0. It was not an oil painting, but there were glimpses of what this Syracuse team can be and should be throughout the contest. The Orange jumped out to an 18-0 lead, and it was enough to sustain the win. Here are a few takeaways.
Syracuse basketball vs. New Haven: Live score, updates
Syracuse, N.Y. — The Syracuse men’s basketball team takes on the New Haven Chargers at 7 p.m., Monday inside the JMA Wireless Dome. The game is available to stream on ACC Network Extra. See in-game team and individual stats here. Chat with Brent Axe during the game and receive “Syracuse Sports” Insider Texts. Get your free trial today. Check out the “Inside Syracuse Basketball” podcast, hosted by Hall of Fame sportswriter Mike Waters.
Fulton’s Gavin Doty ‘counting down the minutes’ to Syracuse debut Original
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Growing up in nearby Fulton, wearing the Syracuse Orange uniform was a lifelong dream for Gavin Doty. On Monday, he’ll do so as he takes the floor of the JMA Wireless Dome for the first time as a member of his hometown team. Syracuse opens the regular season against New Haven, the first game of the Gerry McNamara era. He’s been looking forward to this for a while. “I’m so excited, man,” Doty said on Syracuse men’s basketball media day on October 9. “I can’t wait.
8 Storylines Entering the 2026-27 College Basketball Season
By Sam Federman and Jonathan Lidskin Today is the first day of the season, and yet, we still have no idea whether certain players will be able to play college basketball this season. The NCAA’s age-based eligibility rules left out the high school class of 2022. Those players, though, still want to play college basketball. Many of them will. A summer full of lawsuits, injunctions, temporary restraining orders, stays, and late commitments has gotten us to this point.
Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens: Live score, updates
The Buffalo Bills take on the Baltimore Ravens at 1 p.m., Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The game will air on CBS. “Shout!” A Buffalo Bills football podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Note: Refresh this page throughout the Bills game against the Ravens to see the latest updates Pregame The Buffalo Bills are back from their bye week and enter November with a matchup against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
2026-27 Patriot League Men’s Basketball Preview Original
The top tier seems pretty clear, but then it gets a little murky CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 14: Andrew Alekseyenko #22 of the Colgate Raiders celebrates drawing a foul with teammate Sam Wright #33 of the Colgate Raiders during the first half at State Farm Center on November 14, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois.
SMU reacts after Syracuse plays spoiler: ‘People storm the field when they beat us’
Syracuse, N.Y. — Umari Hatcher was quiet for much of Saturday’s game. Syracuse’s top receiver had been one of the only offensive weapons opposing defenses needed to respect for much of the season. But so much has changed. More evidence of that piled up in the fourth quarter of Syracuse’s 30-27 win against No. 19 SMU that ended with fans cascading onto the turf in the JMA Wireless Dome. “People storm the field when they beat us now in the ACC,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said.
United Athletic Conference men's hoops preview
Teams are in order of preseason ranking on KenPom Central Arkansas John Shulman returns several key pieces from last year's breakthrough second season at the helm. That starts with Ty Robinson, a two-way scoring guard who is among the favorites for UAC Player of the Year. Luke Moore pairs with him in the backcourt as a two-way playmaker, while Malachiah Marable gives physicality down low.
Why Jordan Watford is back at Queens for year 2
There's a new rule in NCAA Division I basketball this season. Coaches can no longer attend games their team isn't in, outside of a multi-team event, with exceptions for family members. That rule might as well be called the Jordan Watford rule. In March, Queens head coach Grant Leonard publicly called out an SEC assistant coach , later revealed to be Auburn's Ian Borders, for showing up to scout his players – with Watford being the team's most promising high-major prospect – at the ASUN Tournament.
United Athletic Conference men’s hoops preview
Sam provides a quick-hit primer for the inaugural season of the UAC. United Athletic Conference Teams are in order of preseason ranking on KenPom John Shulman returns several key pieces from last year’s breakthrough second season at the helm. That starts with Ty Robinson, a two-way scoring guard who is among the favorites for UAC Player of the Year. Luke Moore pairs with him in the backcourt as a two-way playmaker, while Malachiah Marable gives physicality down low.
Syracuse men’s basketball: TNIAAM’s 26-27 predictions Original
Monday night begins the McNamERA for Syracuse Men’s Basketball. After five seasons of watching the Big Dance, can the Orange give us some March Madness in 2027? Kevin: 19-13, 9-9 NCAA 1st Round I am thinking the Orange do enough to sneak in the Field of 76 because I think this team will be able to make a final push in the last seven games of the ACC regular season.
Why Jordan Watford is back at Queens for year 2
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - DECEMBER 16: Head Coach Grant Leonard talks with Jordan Watford #0 of the Queens Royals in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on December 16, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Royals 108-80. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) Getty Images There’s a new rule in NCAA Division I basketball this season.
How coaches are prepping for early morning tip-off times on opening day
Northern Illinois' season-opener against Grambling State tips off on Monday morning at 3 a.m. Eastern Time. But in head coach Matt Majkrzak's mind, it's a Sunday game. The Huskies are taking part in the Field of 68 Tip-off Marathon in Rock Hill, S.C., taking the graveyard shift against the Tigers as part of an eight-game event split between two venues.
How coaches are prepping for early morning tip-off times on opening day
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: Head coach Flynn Clayman of the High Point Panthers walks off the team bus before the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers held at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) NCAA Photos via Getty Images Northern Illinois’ season-opener against Grambling State tips off on Monday morning at 3 a.m. Eastern Time.
TNIAAM roundtable: our thoughts on the Syracuse men’s basketball 26-27 roster
The 2026-27 season for the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team begins in a few days, which means there’s no better time to share some predictions and deeper thoughts about this year’s roster. Syracuse will take the court on Monday for its first official game under new head coach Gerry McNamara. Who’s the best player this year? How about the one with the most breakout potential? What are the most notable pluses and minuses for the 2026-27 Orange?
2026-27 WCC Men’s Basketball Preview Original
It’s a new era for the WCC. Not only is Gonzaga now in the Pac 12, but Saint Mary’s lost longtime head coach Randy Bennett to Arizona State. While the Gaels are still in the league and will be a contender, the conference is certainly more open than it has been in recent years at the top. It may not get three bids like it did last year, but it won’t be a foregone conclusion who is getting a bid on opening night. 1.
2026-27 MAC Men’s Basketball Preview Original
Akron is a perennial power. Miami (OH) is coming off an undefeated season. Here’s a snapshot of the league. Mar 15, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Miami (Oh) Redhawks head coach Travis Steele reacts against the Akron Zips during the second half of the MAC Conference Tournament Championship game at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Teams are listed in order of preseason KenPom placement.
Syracuse women’s basketball schedule: Start times, TV channels for 2026-27 season
Syracuse, N.Y. ― Start times have been set for all of the Syracuse women’s basketball team’s games in the 2026-27 season. Television coverage is also available for all but two games. Syracuse will play on national TV 13 times, including an appearance on either ESPN or ESPN2 against Notre Dame, another appearance on ESPN2 against Clemson and an appearance on ESPNU for the SEC/ACC Challenge. The other 10 SU national TV games will be on ACC Network.
Syracuse women’s basketball 2026-27 roster, bios
Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse women’s basketball returned to the NCAA Tournament for the second time under Felisha Legette-Jack last season. The Orange finished 24-9 and 12-6 in the ACC, earning a No. 9 seed and losing in the second round to the top-seeded UConn Huskies. Following the season, SU lost six of its top eight scorers to graduation or the transfer portal but managed to retain leading scorer and ACC Rookie of the Year Uche Izoje.
Syracuse basketball roster 2026-27: Bios, outlook for each player
Syracuse, N.Y. – Syracuse men’s basketball has just two returning players under new head coach Gerry McNamara. McNamara brought in seven transfers and four freshmen to fill out the roster. Here’s an outlook on the 2026-27 Orange. Ryan Moesch Class: Freshman Number: 0 Height/weight: 6-0, 180 Hometown: Chittenango, N.Y. Previous school: Chittenango H.S. (N.Y.)/Cushing Academy (Mass.) Outlook: Moesch is a short lefty point guard who plays with a ton of confidence and zero fear.
Niagara debuts new-look roster against Syracuse in exhibition loss Original
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Greg Paulus unveiled his new Niagara Purple Eagles to the world with a strong effort against Syracuse on Saturday. Niagara lost 71-58 but came back from down 17 points in the first half to make the game interesting throughout the second. It was a dress-rehearsal effort that provided plenty of questions about Syracuse – led by reigning MAAC Champion head coach Gerry McNamara – but also answered a few key ones about the Purple Eagles. Here are a few Niagara takeaways.
'We want to go for it:' Mike Magpayo prepares for big Year 2 at Fordham Original
BRONX, N.Y. — All summer long, Mike Magpayo reminded his frontcourt of two numbers. “Everybody’s giving you all this praise,” Magpayo says. “You were the frontcourt for an 8-10 team.” He’s right. Akira Jacobs, Abass Bodija, Roor Akhuar, Jack Whitbourn and Rikus Schulte combined to play over 3000 minutes for Fordham last season, making up the entirety of the minutes at the power forward and center spot, and a fair share of those at the small forward position as well.
Syracuse men’s basketball: Takeaways from Syracuse’s final exhibition win over Niagara Original
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Syracuse finished up an unremarkable three-game exhibition slate with a 71-58 win over Niagara in Buffalo on Saturday. The Orange nearly gave up a 17-point lead, as Niagara cut it all the way down to four in the second half, but Syracuse had too much in the final minutes. SU still played without Aiden Tobiason, the Temple transfer who will be one of the most important pieces on the roster. He injured his hamstring in the first exhibition against UConn.
Syracuse holds on to beat Niagara in Buffalo: Final score, recap, photos
Buffalo, N.Y. — The Syracuse men’s basketball team takes on the Niagara Purple Eagles at 3 p.m., Saturday at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The game will not air on television. Fans can watch on cuse.com/watch. See in-game team and individual stats here. Chat with Brent Axe during the game and receive “Syracuse Sports” Insider Texts. Get your free trial today. Check out the “Inside Syracuse Basketball” podcast, hosted by Hall of Fame sportswriter Mike Waters.
Syracuse men’s basketball: Francis Folefac’s next challenge is expanding his game Original
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Siena’s coaching staff challenged Francis Folefac to guard MAAC Player of the Year Kevair Kennedy in the biggest game of his life last March. He passed that challenge, and earned the challenge of guarding Cam Boozer in the NCAA Tournament. Now, following Gerry McNamara’s move to Syracuse, Folefac joined him. The 6-foot-7 forward has a new mandate from his coaches. “Expanding my skill set,” Folefac said on Syracuse men’s basketball media day on October 9.
Which mid-majors have the most expensive rosters? Original
Earlier this week, CBS Sports ran a story placing every high-major basketball roster budget into tiers. By popular demand, that story’s co-author, Matt Norlander, sent a follow-up post on Twitter/X placing a few of the top mid-major programs into tiers. Nearly every program in college basketball is spending on roster construction, but some are spending much more than others. And that’s not just for high-majors.
NEC Men’s Basketball Season Preview Original
The NEC knelt to the sword of The Reef last season. LIU ran through the league at 15-3. They won the conference tournament to return to the NCAA Tournament, all while fans brought their hands together above their heads on free throws. “Fins Up” became a national story. But can the Sharks go back-to-back? Le Moyne is eligible for the NCAA Tournament for the first time, but will also be leaving the conference for the Metro at the end of the year.
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