Orange Take On #6 Villanova In Jimmy V Classic At MSG

Game Details: Tuesday, Dec. 7, New York, N.Y., 9:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Radio: TK 99/105 FM
Live Coverage: Live Stats
Twitter: @cuse | @Cuse_MBB
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Villanova Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule

Syracuse (5-3) is set to take on #6 Villanova (6-2) in the second game of a doubleheader in the 2021 Jimmy V Classic on Tuesday Dec. 7. Tip off for game two is set for 9:30 p.m. at Madison Square Garden.

SETTING THE SCENE
The Orange are coming off a victory in the conference opener against Florida State on Saturday Dec. 4., 63-60. Syracuse broke a 25-game ACC home winning streak for Florida State with the triumph. The key to the victory was the Orange defense that limited the Seminoles offense to 22-of-63 (.349) from the field, including 4-of-30 (.133) from beyond the arc. It marked the lowest Syracuse opponent 3-point percentage since the Orange held North Carolina to 2-of-16 (.125) in the 2020 ACC Tournament.

Villanova looks to earn its fourth straight victory after defeating Saint Joseph's on Saturday, 81-52. Graduate guard Collin Gillespie was among four Wildcats to score in double digits, leading the charge with 23 points.

THE SYRACUSE-VILLANOVA SERIES
This is the 73rd meeting between the Orange and the Wildcats dating back to their first game in 1946. Syracuse leads the series, 39-33 with the most recent game in 2014 resulting in an 82-72, overtime win for Villanova.

STRONG ORANGE DEFENSE
The Syracuse zone made a significant difference in the game against Florida State. While the Orange offense struggled in the first half, the defense kept the deficit within reach by limiting the Seminole attack. Syracuse successfully defended two FSU 3-point attempts in the final 10 seconds to secure the vicotry.

Cole Swider and Jesse Edwards each recorded a double-double for Syracuse. Swider put up 16 points and 10 rebounds while Edwards earned the first double-double of his career, recording 11 points and a career-best 12 rebounds.

GILLESPIE LOOKS TO CONTINUE HOT STREAK
Gillespie leads the Wildcats offense, averaging 17.8 points per game after eight outings. He was named Big East Preseason Player of the Year, as well as an Associated Press Preseason First Team All-American. Gillespie was selected for the Bob Cousy Award Watch List that honors the best point guard each year.

SYRACUSE HOME-GAME TICKETS
Tickets are available on ticketmaster.com.

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Orange Take On #6 Villanova In Jimmy V Classic At MSG

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Players Mentioned

Jesse Edwards

Cole Swider

Syracuse University Athletics