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Mighty Oaks Gear Up to Green Out the Dome in Season Finale Showdown
ESF takes on Nittany Lions of Penn State Lehigh Valley
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Feb. 16, 2026 – Green will be the color of the day when ESF Greens Out the Dome for the Mighty Oaks’ annual basketball game in the JMA Wireless Dome Wednesday, Feb. 18.
The Mighty Oaks face the Nittany Lions of Penn State Lehigh Valley with tipoff at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free. Entering the matchup at 10–10, ESF is looking to close out the season with a big win under the Dome lights.
Head Coach John D’Antonio reflected on the team’s momentum. “We have had some great highlights this year including senior Antonio Franco becoming the third player in ESF to score 1,000 points. Patrick Emery, also a senior, became the all‑time leading scorer in school history with 1,500 points.”
Senior Andrew Cox said the tradition of playing in the Dome adds to the excitement. “It's been a really great season and to finish off with a win in the Dome for the fourth year in a row would be an incredible way to end off my senior season.”
Prior to tipoff, the College will recognize its senior class: Cox, Emery, Antonio Franco, and James Henck and Ian Holland.
“Playing in the Dome has become one of the great traditions of ESF basketball, and it’s something our team looks forward to every year. Having the chance to carry that legacy forward again this season means a lot to all of us,” said ESF Athletic Director Dan Ramin.
ESF students can gear up for the action at a pre‑game tailgater in the College’s Gateway Center from 5-6 p.m. Halftime will feature a special appearance from players in the Tully Youth Basketball program.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.