Syracuse-Georgetown Rivalry Hits 100th Edition: What Will It Take to Rekindle the Fire?

Few rivalries in college basketball capture the spirit of competition like Syracuse vs. Georgetown. On December 14, 2024, these two storied programs will clash for the 100th time, a milestone that serves as both a celebration of the past and a reflection on what the future holds for this legendary matchup.

While their first meeting dates back to 1930, it wasn’t until 1980 that the rivalry truly caught fire. On February 13 of that year, Georgetown stormed into Syracuse’s Manley Field House and ended the Orange’s 57-game homecourt win streak. Georgetown head coach John Thompson didn’t just bask in victory—he added fuel to the fire. His iconic declaration, “Manley Field House is officially closed,” became the flashpoint that turned a competitive series into a grudge match.

The rivalry intensified throughout the 1980s. With both programs enjoying national prominence and the Big East Conference thriving, Syracuse and Georgetown faced off 27 times during the decade. The games were more than just contests—they were battles. Pearl Washington’s last-second heroics in 1985 and the physical altercations between players like Patrick Ewing and Michael Graham epitomized the fiery nature of these encounters. Fans stormed courts, players traded blows, and every meeting felt like a chapter in a never-ending saga.

But as with any rivalry, time and circumstances can alter the dynamics. The realignment of college conferences disrupted the annual clashes. When Syracuse left the Big East for the ACC after the 2012-13 season, it felt like the rivalry had been dealt a significant blow. Since then, the two programs have met sporadically, and while efforts to preserve the tradition are admirable, the games lack the weight of their Big East heyday.

A Rivalry in Transition

Rivalries thrive on context. Louisville and Kentucky, for instance, have maintained their intensity despite never sharing a conference because their geographic proximity and history fuel the animosity. For Syracuse and Georgetown, the absence of conference stakes and regular postseason showdowns has dimmed the rivalry’s fire. Games once played in March with Final Four implications are now scheduled in December, often overshadowed by holiday tournaments and college football’s bowl season.

Moreover, the players themselves often lack a connection to the rivalry’s storied past. Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry, a veteran of nine Syracuse–Georgetown games, has resorted to showing his players video clips of classic matchups to convey the significance of the rivalry. Georgetown’s Ed Cooley, who only recently joined the program, admitted it took hearing Syracuse fans chant “Let’s Go, Orange!” in D.C. to fully grasp the rivalry’s emotional pull.

What’s Missing Today?

For today’s fans, especially the younger generation, the rivalry feels like a relic of a bygone era. Without consistent national relevance—neither program has been ranked at the time of a matchup since the 2015-16 season—the games often lack the gravitas that once made them unmissable. Can the average Syracuse fan name a single player on Georgetown’s roster? Can Georgetown faithful recall Syracuse’s current starting five? Rivalries thrive on familiarity and disdain, but it’s hard to hate what you barely know.

Adding to the rivalry’s challenges, both programs have experienced a downturn in performance. Georgetown hasn’t been a regular NCAA Tournament contender in years, while Syracuse has struggled to consistently crack the national rankings. The last time both teams were ranked for a game was in the 2013 Big East Tournament—a thrilling overtime showdown that felt like a fitting farewell to their shared conference.

Keeping the Flame Alive

Despite the challenges, there’s reason for optimism. Both Autry and Cooley have expressed a desire to continue the rivalry on an annual basis, a commitment that will hopefully lead to a renewed sense of importance. While the current four-year agreement between the schools expires after Saturday’s game, a new deal could keep the tradition alive, giving fans something to look forward to each season.

But scheduling alone isn’t enough. For the rivalry to truly regain its luster, both programs must return to prominence. Rivalries are at their best when both teams are competing for championships, not just respectability. Imagine a future where Syracuse and Georgetown meet in the NCAA Tournament or battle for a top seed in their respective conferences. Those are the moments that define rivalries and inspire new generations of fans.

A Legacy Worth Preserving

As the two teams prepare to meet for the 100th time, it’s important to reflect on what makes this rivalry special. It’s not just about the games themselves—it’s about the stories, the emotions, and the connections forged over decades. From Thompson’s defiant declaration to Pearl’s buzzer-beater, these moments are etched into the fabric of college basketball history.

This Saturday, fans at the JMA Wireless Dome will have a chance to celebrate that history while dreaming of what’s next. Because rivalries like Syracuse vs. Georgetown don’t just disappear—they evolve. And with the right ingredients—strong programs, passionate players, and a little bit of animosity—this one could burn hotter than ever.

So, as Syracuse and Georgetown tip off for their 100th game, the challenge isn’t just to win but to reignite a rivalry that has meant so much to so many. The past is a testament to what’s possible. The future is waiting to be written.