SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Syracuse Orange, looking to build momentum before Atlantic Coast Conference play, host the struggling Stonehill Skyhawks in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Monday at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse (7-4) enters on a two-game winning streak, including a 91-83 victory over Northeastern on Saturday. The Orange have been strong at home this season, boasting a 6-1 record in the Dome. A key to their success has been the interior defense anchored by forward William Kyle. Over his last three games, Kyle has averaged 13.3 points and 4.3 blocks, including a 15-point, five-block performance in a win over Mercyhurst on Dec. 17. Stonehill (2-9) seeks a major upset to snap a difficult start to its season. The Skyhawks are coming off a heartbreaking 59-58 road loss to New Hampshire on Wednesday, a game in which they let a late lead slip away. Guard Ridvan Tutic has been a bright spot, scoring 21 points in that narrow defeat. He leads the team in scoring and is coming off a stretch where he averaged 17 points over his last two contests. The matchup presents a stark contrast. Syracuse’s schedule has featured high-major opponents like Kansas, Houston and Iowa State, while Stonehill’s two wins have come against non-Division I Thomas and Division III VTSU-Johnson. The Skyhawks have lost all eight games against Division I competition this season by an average of 15.5 points. For Stonehill, containing Kyle in the paint and finding consistent scoring beyond Tutic will be critical challenges. Hermann Koffi and Rex Sunderland, who combined for 18 points against New Hampshire, will need to provide supplemental offense. This game serves as a final tune-up for Syracuse before its ACC slate begins next week against Clemson. For Stonehill, it is a daunting opportunity to score a program-defining victory against a traditional power before opening Northeast Conference play in January. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Monday at the Carrier Dome.