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According to CBS’s Jon Rothstein Villanova will face the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Jimmy V. Classic during the 2017-18 season.
Syracuse will face UConn and Villanova will play Gonzaga in the 2017 Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden, per multiple sources.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 3, 2016
With the pedigree and annual post-season performance of the two schools; the programs have never met before on the hardcourt.
Since 2001, the Spokane, WA school (who is ranked #14 in this season’s preseason AP Poll) has won the WCC every year except for 2012. In Mark Few’s 18 years at the helm, the Bulldogs have made it to two Elite Eights and seven Sweet Sixteens.
This is the fourth time that 'Nova has participated in the Jimmy V Classic. The 'Cats lost to Texas in 2008 and to Missouri in 2011, while beating Illinois in December 2014.
Syracuse will take on UConn in a revival of an old BIG EAST matchup in the other game of the doubleheader on Tuesday, December 5th.
Villanova is also expected to be a part of the 2017 Battle 4 Atlantis.