GEORGETOWN (DC News Now) – On Saturday, one of the most historic college basketball rivalries takes place in upstate New York, as the Georgetown Hoyas will face Syracuse in the 100th meeting between these two programs.
Although these two programs have been competing since 1930, the rivalry was not widely recognized until the 1980s, when Georgetown and Syracuse battled to be the best in the Big East.
The rivalry took a two-year break when Syracuse went to the ACC in 2012, and went on to play each other at least once every season. Syracuse currently leads the Hoyas all-time, 53-44.
Georgtown players, especially incoming freshmen like Thomas Sorber, are excited for the opportunity to be apart of this historic rivalry.
“My first year here is the 100th meeting for the rivalry game, I guess we got it with a dub.”
Others, like Maryland native Malik Mack understand the importance of this rivalry. The sophomore guard said that as a kid, he was at the final Big East game held at Capital One Arena in 2013, where Georgetown beat Syracuse 61-39.
“It’s something crazy to think about,” says Mack, “honestly, just knowing the history between Syracuse and Georgetown and how long the rivalry has been going on. So to be a part of the 100th game is definitely something special.”
As for the returners like sophomore Drew Fielder, they know exactly what they are getting into and can’t wait for Saturday at the Dome.
“I am beyond excited,” says Fielder, “I feel so honored…..I’m ready to go right now. Every single time it’s it gets a little chippy and it’s just been legendary with legendary players, legendary coaches. It means a lot to be part of this game.”
The Hoyas are 7-2 on the year, coming off a road loss at the hands of West Virginia, a tough environment to play in.
However, there is nothing quite like a packed dome at Syracuse, but the Hoyas feel confident and are looking forward to a bounce-back win on the road against their rival.
“I feel like the West Virginia game kind of like, set us up for this Syracuse rivalry game,” said Sorber. “West Virginia, they wasn’t as like hostile, but I know this game is going to be way more hostile. We have to come in our own mentality to be ready to fight and try to get out with a dub.”
“We have a lot of confidence,” said Mack. “We feel like every game that we go into we can win. As we went through these first nine games, we built the chemistry, and now we kind of know who’s going to do what, (and) where someone’s going to be at. So we got a good chemistry for each other, and we’re starting to gel.”
The Hoyas will hit the road this weekend, and look to avoid dropping two games in a row before they begin conference action next week against Creighton. Tip-off for the 100th meeting between Georgetown and Syracuse is set for 2:30 pm this Saturday from the JMA Wireless Dome.
