LOCAL COLLEGES

Syracuse, 77, Cornell 45

In Syracuse, Tyus Battle scored 18 points and the Orange’s hounding defense held Cornell to 25 percent from the field in the season opener for both teams. Geno Thorpe had 12 points, Oshae Brissett had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

UConn 70, Colgate 58

In Storrs, Conn.,Terry Larrier scored a career-high 27 points for UConn coming off a knee injury that kept the VCU transfer out most of last season. He hit 11 of his 18 shots, and was 3 of 4 from 3-point range. Antwoine Anderson, a graduate transfer from Fordham, added 12 points and six assists for the Huskies.

Monmouth, 79, Bucknell 78

In West Long Branch, N.J., Micah Seaborn scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and Diago Quinn had 16 points for Monmouth. Zach Thomas led Bucknell with 31 points and 16 boards.

Villanova 75, Columbia 60

In Philadelphia, Eric Paschall scored 15 points and Jalen Brunson had 14 to lead No. 6 Villanova. Mike Smith scored 19 points for Columbia.

Albany 69, Iona 67

In Albany, David Nichols scored 18 points and Greig Stire added 15 points and 12 rebounds for Albany. Nichols made all four of his free throws in the final 11 seconds. TK Edogi led Iona with 17 points and nine rebounds.