Jim Boeheim became the eighth Division I coach to reach 800 wins with the latest milestone a 75-43 victory over Albany on Monday night in the 2K Sports Classic.

The 65-year-old Boeheim got his first victory, 75-48 over Harvard on Nov. 26, 1976.

Bob Knight leads the career list with 902 victories. Only Mike Krzyzewski (833), Jim Calhoun (804) and Boeheim are active among the eight who have reached 800.

Arinze Onuaku scored 14 points, Scoop Jardine and Wes Johnson each had 12 for Syracuse (1-0) in the tournament that benefits Coaches vs. Cancer.

After the final buzzer, Boeheim received a framed uniform with No. 800 stitched on it and a montage of highlights of Boeheim's career was played on the video boards hanging above the Carrier Dome court that bears his name.

Boeheim established an NCAA Division I record in 2008-09 with his 31st season with at least 20 wins. He has 800 in 1,088 games, including a record 356 wins in the Big East.

Will Harris led Albany (0-1) with 14 points and Tim Ambrose had 12.

In the annals of Division I, only Jim Phelan at Mount St. Mary's (1,354) and Dean Smith at North Carolina (1,133) have coached more games at one school. And only Smith (879), Kentucky's Adolph Rupp (876) and Phelan (830) have more wins at one school.

The Orange's first regular-season game without its top three scorers from last season _ Jonny Flynn, Paul Harris and Eric Devendorf, who all departed _ was a big improvement over their second and final exhibition game.

A week ago, Syracuse allowed 50 second-half points in a stunning 82-79 loss to crosstown foe LeMoyne, a Division II school. Against Albany, Syracuse's defense excelled and its big men thrived inside.

Rick Jackson finished with 10 points for the Orange, Johnson added seven rebounds, three assists and six steals in his Syracuse debut after transferring from Iowa State, and Kris Joseph finished with 12 points. Continued...