There’s nothing quite like the slow release of Syracuse’s non-conference schedule, am I right? Well regardless of if you agree or failed to catch my sarcasm, the latest game has been announced: Syracuse will host Iowa in the Big 10/ACC Challenge on Dec. 3. That game will follow the Orange’s appearance in the NIT Season Tipoff in Brooklyn that features Penn State, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss.
Here’s how the rest of the annual showdown between the Big 10 and ACC shakes out.
The matchups for the 2019 #B1GACC Challenge are set!
üì∞: https://t.co/GXwabWkYgh pic.twitter.com/SyeMNq0SxB
— ACC Men's Basketball (@accmbb) June 6, 2019
Syracuse has faired well in the event over the past two seasons, beating Maryland in 2017 and Ohio State in 2018. Overall, the Orange are 3-3 in six Big 10/ACC Challenge appearances. SU is 1-2 in three meetings with Iowa. All three of those games were played on neutral floors, including a 1980 NCAA Tournament game. Syracuse won the latest meeting 66-63 in November of 2014.
This is an intriguing matchup, especially since both teams are replacing two major contributors from a season ago. Syracuse will be without Tyus Battle and Oshae Brissett, while Iowa will be adjusting to life without Tyler Cook and Joe Wieskamp.
This isn’t the sexiest matchup in the world, but it will be a great test for a young Orange squad. However, Fizz Nation didn’t seem to care for that last week.
FIZZ FEEDBACK: Who would you like to see Syracuse play in the B1G/ACC Challenge this year?
— Orange Fizz (@OrangeFizz) May 27, 2019
As expected, Michigan received much of the love in the poll. Many also commented for Michigan State, likely wanting a rematch of the 2018 NCAA Tournament game when the Orange knocked off the Spartans to lock in a trip to the Sweet 16. That’s all fine, but Iowa is an opponent that will test Syracuse. The Hawkeyes will likely be the favorites in the early-December game. It’ll be another chance for the freshman to prove themselves on a stage that’s big, but not too big.
As always, keep it locked to OrangeFizz.net for all the analysis of the Orange’s 2019-20 schedule as it continues to develop.
Updated Syracuse 2019 Non-Conference Schedule
Oct. 26 vs. Damen (exhibition)
Nov. 6 vs. Virginia
Nov. 20 vs. Cornell
Nov. 27 vs. NIT Season Tipoff (Brooklyn, NY)
Nov. 29 vs. NIT Season Tipoff (Brooklyn, NY)
Dec. 3 vs. Iowa (Big 10/ACC Challenge)
Dec. 14 at Georgetown (Washington D.C.)
