Syracuse To Play Michigan State; Somewhere, Butler Smirks

Syracuse and Michigan State found common ground this past season.  Both teams figured out that, despite being who they were, Butler was decidedly just a little better when it mattered most.  Cuse lost to the Bulldogs in the Sweet Sixteen and the Spartans lost to them the following weekend in the Final Four.  The two teams will attempt to let go of their disappointment by beating up each other early next season in the Jimmy V Classic.

Syracuse and Michigan State will square off in one doubleheader of the 2010 Jimmy V Men's Basketball Classic on December 7 in New York's Madison Square Garden. Memphis and Kansas are scheduled to open play that evening at 7:00 p.m. while the Orange and Spartans will tangle at 9:00 p.m. Both games will be televised by ESPN.

The Orange hold a slight lead in the overall series 9-7 and have won the past three, the last one in 2004.  However if you're like me, you still hold a special grudge in your heart over the 75-58 loss to the Spartans in the '00 Sweet Sixteen.  Die, Mateen Cleaves. 

Good news is, its back to MSG for an early-season test.  Lord knows Gary Parrish and everyone else won't give us credit even if we win by 50, but its still nice to play there.  And win there.