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Syracuse basketball vs Niagara officially scheduled for 2019-20

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Patrick Beilein of the Le Moyne Dolphins looks on from the bench against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome on November 2, 2015 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Le Moyne 97-58. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Patrick Beilein of the Le Moyne Dolphins looks on from the bench against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome on November 2, 2015 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Le Moyne 97-58. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
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Finally, the matchup between the Syracuse basketball squad and Niagara is official. The University confirmed the news on Monday afternoon.

A matchup that has long been rumored to happen is now finally official. Syracuse basketball will face off against Niagara on Saturday, December 28 in the Carrier Dome.

About a month ago, Sports Director for NewsChannel 9 Steve Infanti reported that Syracuse and Niagara were trying to finalize an agreement.

The Purple Eagles have a brand new head coach for next season in Patrick Beilein. When the report surfaced that this game seemed imminent for next season, I spoke with Patrick and he had this to say:

"“Anytime that we (Niagara) can go up against an ACC school like Syracuse with Jim Boeheim would be great for our conference and Niagara overall.”"

Before taking the Niagara job this offseason, Patrick spent the last four years at Le Moyne. During his tenure there he earned three NCAA Division II Tournament invitations, per the press release. On top of the invitations, he also was honored by his conference as the Coach of the Year over the last two years (2017, 2018).

Patrick’s father, John Beilein, also spent time at Le Moyne (10 years) and is now the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers (he was hired a few months ago). Despite John being 66-years old, this will be his first stop in the NBA during his 40+ year coaching career.

But Patrick won’t be the only one making a homecoming return in late December to Syracuse. Another key member of his staff, Greg Paulus will be coming “home.” Paulus played quarterback during his final season in 2009 for the Syracuse football squad.

Patrick Beilein said it wasn’t easy hiring Greg to his new staff at Niagara, but he made it work:

"“I’ve known Greg for a long time. Our families would run into each other on vacation. Although when I reached out to him initially, I’ll be honest I had to get over the whole “Duke point guard” thing. That was a little bit of a snag for me, but I put the ego aside. His D1 experience is going to be huge for me having that on my coaching staff. We’re extremely lucky to have him at Niagara. There’s no doubt he’ll be a head coach in the very near future.”"

Syracuse and Niagara have a longer history than you’d originally guess. The Orange have dominated the series, 53-28. Although they haven’t played in 19 years.

The last time these two squads met up, SU came out on top 95-69. Syracuse has won the last eight matchups and this series dates back well over a 100 years ago.

Which means the nonconference slate for the Syracuse basketball squad is nearly complete. The press release shared the details that we know so far on the 2019-20 schedule:

Next. Syracuse Basketball: Top 30 Players in School History. dark

Date Day Opponent Time Arena

  • Oct. 26 Sat. DAEMEN (Exhibition) TBD Dome
  • Oct. 29 Tues. CARLETON, Canada (Exhibition) TBD Dome
  • Nov. 6 Wed. VIRGINIA TBD Dome
  • Nov. 13 Wed. COLGATE TBD Dome
  • Nov. 20 Wed. CORNELL TBD Dome
  • Nov. 27 Wed. NIT Season Tipoff vs. Ole Miss/Oklahoma State/Penn State TBD Barclays Center
  • Nov. 29 Fri. NIT Season Tipoff TBD Barclays Center
  • Dec. 14 Sat. at Georgetown TBD Capital One Arena
  • Dec. 18 Wed. OAKLAND TBD Dome
  • Dec. 21 Sat. NORTH FLORIDA TBD Dome
  • Dec. 28 Sat. NIAGARA TBD Dome
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