Syracuse, Georgetown to renew rivalry

On Feb. 23, 2013, more than 35,000 fans packed the Carrier Dome to see Georgetown invade Jim Boeheim Court for one final time in Big East play.

But apparently not even conference realignment can keep the Orange and Hoyas apart.

Syracuse and Georgetown have reached an agreement that will extend their rivalry by at least four more games, according to a press release by Syracuse Athletics on Tuesday. The Hoyas and Orange will meet four times during a four-year span, starting with the series opener at the Verizon Center during the 2015-16 season. The two schools will then alternate hosting duties the following three seasons.

"Continuing this historically important rivalry has always been of the highest priority for us since our move to the ACC, and something I know our players, coaches, fans and the entire SU community are excited about," said Dr. Daryl Gross, Syracuse University's Director of Athletics. "When Syracuse and Georgetown go head-to-head, the intensity is unmatched, and the entire nation pays attention."

The two schools have met on the basketball court 90 times, with Syracuse holding a 49-41 advantage. They were original members of the Big East Conference, and their first matchup came during the 1929-30 season.

"In the early days of the Big East Conference, the Syracuse-Georgetown matchup quickly developed into one of college basketball's best rivalries," Orange head coach Jim Boeheim said. "The games in that series have been played at a remarkably high level over the years. We're looking forward to the challenge of playing Georgetown again."

C.J. Fair goes up for a shot during the last Big East game in the Carrier Dome between SU and Georgetown on Feb. 23, 2013. (Photo by Taylor Baucom)