'Cuse, Nova Announce Hoop Home And Home Series

Syracuse University and Villanova University have announced in a joint release a home-and-home men's basketball series that will feature a game in Philadelphia and a contest in the Carrier Dome over the next two seasons.

Syracuse will play Villanova in the Carrier Dome on December 28, 2013. The Orange will play a road game at Villanova in the Wells Fargo Center the following year.

"The Villanova rivalry has given us some of our best moments," said Dr. Daryl Gross, Director of Athletics at Syracuse. "It has traditionally been one of the top matchups in college basketball and we look forward to continuing the series."

"We are excited to announce the continuation of the Villanova-Syracuse rivalry," stated Villanova Director of Athletics Vince Nicastro. "Our annual games against Syracuse were an integral part of our basketball schedule over the past 30-plus years, and included some of the greatest college basketball experiences in the nation. We are thrilled to be able to continue that for the next two years."

Syracuse and Villanova first met on the hardwood during the 1945-46 season. The two programs have played 70 times overall and Syracuse owns a narrow 38-32 advantage in the series. The Wildcats rank in a ninth-place tie with Canisius on the list of most familiar Syracuse foes.

The two teams split games in 2012-13. The Orange won at home on January 12, 72-61, and Villanova earned a 75-71 triumph in overtime on January 26.

Syracuse was one of the original members of The BIG EAST Conference that first competed in the 1979-80 campaign. Villanova joined in the second year. All but four of the 70 contests played between Syracuse and Villanova came while the programs were affiliated with The BIG EAST. The Orange will officially move to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on July 1, 2013.

"The series with Villanova has been one of our most competitive, year in and year out," said Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim. "It really took off when Coach (Rollie) Massimino was in charge and has certainly continued with Coach (Jay) Wright at Villanova."

"Syracuse-Villanova games have been a great tradition and a big part of BIG EAST basketball," stated VU head basketball coach Jay Wright. "When the Wildcats and the Orange have met at the Carrier Dome and Wells Fargo Center, the environments have been two of the best in college basketball."

Season ticket deposits for the 2013-14 Syracuse Men's Basketball season are available now for $125 per season ticket. For more information, or to place your deposit today, please call 888-DOME-TIX, or click here to place your deposit online via SUAthletics.com.

Syracuse University Athletics

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