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Georgetown-Syracuse rivalry

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description Georgetown-Syracuse rivalry Overview

The Georgetown-Syracuse basketball rivalry represents one of college sports’ most enduring and intense contests. Rooted in a pivotal 1980 victory for Georgetown within Syracuse's home arena, it consistently draws significant attention from the Northeast region. The series is particularly relevant to fans of Big East men's basketball and those interested in historic college athletic rivalries. It primarily engages students, alumni, and supporters of both universities.

help Georgetown-Syracuse rivalry FAQ

What happened at Manley Field House in 1980 to ignite the Georgetown-Syracuse rivalry?

In what was scheduled as the final basketball game at Syracuse's Manley Field House in February 1980, Georgetown pulled off a stunning upset over a highly ranked Syracuse team. Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr. reportedly declared afterward that "Manley Field House is officially closed," a statement that became legendary and galvanized the rivalry.

When did Georgetown and Syracuse leave the Big East, and do they still play each other?

Syracuse departed for the ACC in 2013, while Georgetown remained when the Big East restructured as a basketball-focused conference. The two programs have met only sporadically in non-conference play since then, and the rivalry's intensity was strongest during their shared Big East years from 1979 to 2013.

Who are some of the most iconic players from the Georgetown-Syracuse rivalry?

Georgetown's Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Allen Iverson faced Syracuse stars like Pearl Washington, Derrick Coleman, and Carmelo Anthony during the rivalry's peak decades. The presence of future NBA Hall of Famers on both sides elevated the series to consistent national television prominence.

What was the most memorable Georgetown-Syracuse basketball game?

Many fans point to the 1984 Big East tournament final, where Georgetown defeated Syracuse in a classic overtime battle, as one of the rivalry's defining games. The regular-season clashes during the Patrick Ewing era at Georgetown and the Pearl Washington era at Syracuse in the 1980s produced some of the most-watched Big East broadcasts of the decade.

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