Syracuse vs. NC State: A Rivalry Renewed

Introduction

From the Atlantic Coast Conference's Atlantic Division to the hallowed hardwood of the NCAA Tournament, the Syracuse Orange and NC State Wolfpack have forged a rivalry that has captivated college basketball fans for decades. Their on-court battles have been marked by thrilling finishes, memorable moments, and an intense atmosphere that has made each meeting a must-watch event.

Historical Background

The first meeting between Syracuse and NC State took place on December 12, 1949, in Syracuse, New York. NC State emerged victorious with a 60-52 scoreline, setting the stage for a rivalry that would span the decades. Over the years, the two teams have faced off 104 times, with Syracuse holding a slim 54-50 record as of the end of the 2022-23 season.

Memorable Moments

Throughout the years, several games have stood out as defining moments in the Syracuse-NC State rivalry. Here are a few notable clashes:

• 1975 NCAA Tournament Regional Final: NC State stunned Syracuse with a 79-74 victory in the NCAA Tournament Regional Final en route to winning the national championship.
• 1995 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16: In an epic overtime thriller, Syracuse defeated NC State 84-82 to advance to the Elite Eight.
• 2003 NCAA Tournament Second Round: NC State upset No. 1 seed Syracuse 75-68, marking one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history.

Key Players

Both Syracuse and NC State have had a long line of standout players who have played a pivotal role in the rivalry. Some of the most notable names include:

• Syracuse: Carmelo Anthony, Gerry McNamara, Kris Joseph, Hakim Warrick
• NC State: David Thompson, Tom Burleson, Rodney Monroe, Julius Hodge

Rivalry Impact

The Syracuse-NC State rivalry has had a significant impact on both schools and college basketball as a whole:

• Increased Exposure: The rivalry has generated national attention, bringing both programs increased exposure and fan support.
• Recruiting Advantage: Success in the rivalry has often helped both teams attract top recruits who are eager to play in such an intense atmosphere.
• NCAA Tournament Success: The rivalry has helped both Syracuse and NC State make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, with Syracuse winning the national championship in 2003 and NC State claiming the title in 1974.

Transition to Modern Rivalry

In recent years, the Syracuse-NC State rivalry has taken on a new dimension as both programs have faced changes in conference affiliations and coaching staffs. However, the intensity and passion between the two schools remains as strong as ever.

Head-to-Head Matchups in the ACC

Since Syracuse joined the ACC in 2013, the two teams have faced off 18 times in conference play. Syracuse holds a 12-6 advantage in these meetings, including a 6-3 record in games played in Raleigh.

Coaching Rivalry

The rivalry between Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim and NC State coach Kevin Keatts has added another layer of intrigue to the matchup. The two coaches have met 10 times, with Boeheim holding a 7-3 advantage.

Storylines for the 2023-24 Season

The 2023-24 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the Syracuse-NC State rivalry. Both teams return talented rosters and will be looking to make a deep run in the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament. Here are some storylines to watch:

• Battle for the Atlantic Division: Syracuse and NC State are both expected to contend for the ACC Atlantic Division title. The two teams will face off twice during the regular season, including a game in Raleigh on February 25.
• NCAA Tournament Implications: As always, the outcome of the Syracuse-NC State rivalry game will have major implications for the NCAA Tournament. Both teams will be looking to secure an NCAA Tournament berth and make a deep run in the tournament.
• Coaching Matchup: The matchup between Jim Boeheim and Kevin Keatts will be one of the most anticipated coaching matchups in the ACC. Both coaches are known for their competitive fire and tactical acumen.

Tips and Tricks for Fans

If you're planning to attend a Syracuse-NC State game, here are a few tips and tricks to make sure you have a memorable experience:

• Arrive Early: The atmosphere at a Syracuse-NC State game is electric, so arrive early to secure a good seat and soak up the pregame excitement.
• Bring Your Voice: The fans at Syracuse and NC State games are among the most passionate in college basketball. Make sure to bring your voice and support your team with enthusiasm.
• Respect the Rivalry: While the rivalry can be intense, it's important to respect the other team and their fans. Show good sportsmanship at all times.

Pros and Cons of the Rivalry

Pros:

• Increased Exposure: The rivalry has generated national attention for both programs.
• Recruiting Advantage: Success in the rivalry can help both teams attract top recruits.
• Passion and Intensity: The rivalry creates a passionate and intense atmosphere that makes each game a must-watch event.

Cons:

• Potential for Bad Blood: The intensity of the rivalry can sometimes lead to bad blood between the two programs and their fans.
• Scheduling Challenges: Scheduling the rivalry game can be challenging, especially when both teams are in different conferences.
• Off-Court Distractions: The rivalry can sometimes create off-court distractions for the players and coaches.

Table: Head-to-Head Records

Table: NCAA Tournament Meetings

Table: Top Players in the Rivalry