No. 9 Syracuse 62, No. 20 San Diego State 49: C.J. Fair and Michael Carter-Williams each recorded 17 points and the Orange defense came up big to win the Battle on the Midway in San Diego.

Fair led the way with 10 rebounds and Brandon Triche added 15 points and four assists for Syracuse (1-0) in the game played on the deck of the USS Midway. The Orange held San Diego State (0-1) to 17-of-63 from the field (27 percent), including 1-of-18 from 3-point range.

Jamaal Franklin scored 11 points to lead the Aztecs on just 3-of-12 from the field. San Diego State shot just 42.4 percent from the free-throw line, making just 14 of 33.

Fair scored 11 points and Carter-Williams had nine, including a three-point play in the final seconds, as Syracuse took a 33-19 halftime lead. The Orange held San Diego State to 7-of-29 from the field and forced 12 turnovers in the first 20 minutes.

San Diego State, starting with its highest preseason ranking ever, pulled within 11 points late in the second half but could not get closer.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The game was moved from Friday due to uncertain weather conditions. … Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim improved to 33-4 in season openers, including eight straight. … Syracuse shot 45 percent from the field, taking just four 3-pointers and making one. … The Orange blocked 10 shots.