NEW YORK, N.Y. — Syracuse basketball (2-0) renews a long-time rivalry when the No. 15/No. 14 Orange face the Connecticut Huskies (2-0) Thursday evening in the semifinals of the 2K Empire Classic in New York City.
The game tips off just after 7 p.m. at Madison Square Garden and will be shown on ESPN 2. John Sciambi and Fran Fraschilla will be the game announcers.
Syracuse tipped off its 2018-2019 season with a 66-34 win over Eastern Washington, followed by an 84-70 triumph over Morehead State — both at the Carrier Dome.
Connecticut has posted home victories over Morehead State (80-70) and UMKC (94-66) under new head coach Dan Hurley, who previously coached Rhode Island and Wagner.
UConn is Syracuse’s fifth most common opponent with 94 previous meetings on the hardwood between them. Syracuse holds a 56-38 lead in the all-time series. The Orange topped the Huskies 72-63 last season, also at MSG.
Syracuse will finish the 2K Empire Classic on Friday. The Orange will play either Iowa or Oregon — either at 4:30 p.m. in the 3rd place game or at 6:30 p.m. in the championship.
Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com
BJNN file photos by Adam Rombel