College basketball’s most brutal old-school rivalry is officially BACK. After an eight-year hiatus, the UConn men’s basketball squad is stepping onto the court against Syracuse tonight, Tuesday evening, at Mohegan Sun Arena. This isn’t just another game, it’s the first of UConn’s three exhibition games this season, and it’s a huge chance for the team to flex in front of the fans and set the tone.
Rivalry Rebirth and Early Vibes
Forget your generic preseason warm-ups, this is an actual game. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, a venue that’s also home to the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun. If you’re local, you can catch it on NBC Sports Boston, but for everyone else, UConn+ is streaming it for free, or you can tune into the UConn Sports Network radio on FOX Sports 97.9. This isn’t just about knocking off the rust. This is about showing up and showing out. With the new wave of preseason exhibitions, it is a statement opportunity. Can they match the energy of the crowd? Can they deliver under the lights? Tonight’s the night to find out.
Huskies Roar: Women Set the Stage, Men Take the Spotlight
The UConn women’s team already put on an absolute clinic at Mohegan Sun Arena on Monday, dominating Syracuse with an 88-60 win. That’s the bar, fellas! Sarah Strong was electric, leading the Huskies with 16 points even though her shot wasn’t totally on point. Syracuse coach Felisha Legette-Jack was gushing about her leadership after Azzi Fudd’s departure. Plus, Jovana Popovic and Olivia Vukosa came out firing in their first collegiate action, and Kelis Fisher is teasing a HUGE sophomore season leap. Now it is the men’s turn. With the women’s squad already making a major impression, the men’s team has to bring that same fire and competitive spirit. Who’s gonna step up and make a statement in their first real run out?
History’s Shadow: 90 Battles and Counting
These two programs are legends of the Northeast, Big East rivals through and through, and they have clashed 90 times since 1956. Syracuse currently holds the all-time edge, 53-37. They built a lot of that lead way back when, winning 14 of the first 17 matchups. But then Jim Calhoun came along and really narrowed that gap, posting a solid 12-6 record against the Orange over a ten-year stretch starting in 1997-98. The most recent showdown? UConn upset No. 15 Syracuse in 2018 at Madison Square Garden. This isn’t just a friendly exhibition, it is a continuation of that storied rivalry. What better way to jumpstart the season than by taking on a longtime foe with something to prove?
This is it, the first big test. Can the Huskies come out strong, put on a show like the women’s team did, and start building momentum for the season? Every possession counts, every play is a chance to show what’s to come. Get ready for some old-school basketball!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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