Villanova-Syracuse to continue rivalry
Villanova University and Syracuse University jointly announced Friday that they will play a home-and-home series over the next two seasons.
Syracuse will play Villanova in the Carrier Dome on Dec. 28, 2013 and then the Wildcats will host the Orange at the Wells Fargo Center the following year.
"We are excited to announce the continuation of the Villanova-Syracuse rivalry," Villanova director of athletics Vince Nicastro said in a statement. "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."
Dr. Daryl Gross, director of athletics at Syracuse, said in a statement: "The Villanova rivalry has given us some of our best moments. It has traditionally been one of the top matchups in college basketball and we look forward to continuing the series."
Syracuse leads the all-time series 38-32, dating back to the 1945-46 season. They split last season's two Big East games against each other.
Syracuse is moving to the ACC in July.
Villanova is one of the seven Catholic schools forming a new basketball-only conference while retaining the Big East name.
"Syracuse-Villanova games have been a great tradition and a big part of Big East basketball," Villanova coach Jay Wright said in a statement. "When the Wildcats and Orange have met at the Carrier Dome and Wells Fargo Center, the environments have been two of the best in college basketball."
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said in a statement: "The series with Villanova has been one of our most competitive, year in and year out. It really took off when Coach (Rollie) Massimino was in charge and has certainly continued with Coach (Jay) Wright at Villanova."
