Every year, Syracuse invites some decent mid-major teams to the Dome for an early-season test. Usually, we dine on some cupcakes first before we let them in. This year, we're getting right to it. 2010 Sweet Sixteen participant Northern Iowa will help SU open the Dome this season on Friday, November 12th.
Northern Iowa was one of the surprises of the 2010 Tournament. The Panthers defeated Wichita State, UNLV and number-one seed Kansas before losing to Michigan State. Northern Iowa finished the campaign with a 30-5 record, the same mark as Syracuse’s. The Panthers have captured back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference regular-season and tournament titles. Coach Ben Jacobson has guided Northern Iowa to an 89-43 record in his four seasons.
The Panthers shocked 1-seed Kansas in the 2nd round of the tournament this past season before falling to Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen.
The Orange will have two warm-ups beforehand, playing Kutztown Nov. 2 and pesky LeMoyne Nov. 9 in exhibitions.