Your team's most anticipated game this year?

[NJRedman]

For Marquette it is always the Badgers. Something about 4-6,000 opposing fans in your building makes you care about the game more.

Thats why the Cuse game is bigger for SJU than the Nova game. Half the arena is Cuse fans. All of their LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) alum come out for that game. The most obnoxious and disrespectful fans you can imagine.

[adoraz]

What team does everyone think will be the biggest of the year?

For SJU, the biggest game during the last 3 years has involved Syracuse. After many years of losing, we've beat them the past two years.

This year we play them again, at Cuse, however I'm far more excited about the Nova games for a few reasons:
1. Nova, after its NC, has clearly outplayed Cuse during the last few years.
2. We haven't beat Nova in ages, whereas we beat Cuse last year despite an awful season.
3. Nova is local and always brings a huge crowd (similar to Cuse).

I think most likely St. John's fans will still dislike Cuse more than Nova, however in terms of getting a W the Nova series should carry a lot more significance.

Have to say, this is great now that our biggest game isn't a traitor school. I think regardless of who was hypothetically on our schedule this year, whether that be Duke, UConn, UNC, Louisville, etc, that the Nova games would be the biggest. That's huge as 3/4 years ago that definitely wouldn't be the case.

What about your team?

Disagree, Cuse is still the bigger win because it helps the conference and helps us taking back our city. Beating Nova would be great, but for us Cuse is our in state sworn rival who has OWNED us for well over a decade. Each win against them hurts them more than it would hurt Nova if we beat them.

In regards to your post after this one (too lazy to copy), last year's attendance:
Cuse @ SJU: 13,473
Nova @ SJU: 12,713

Not much of a difference, Nova has filled the Garden the last few years and this year I expect even more Nova fans. Also, keep in mind SJU was on an 11 game losing streak heading into the Nova game.

Of course beating Cuse helps the conference more than beating Nova, but that's not what the topic's about. This is more about being selfish, the one win that would make your season special. Just the game your average fan/ general public would see as the biggest game. I think a Nova win would go a lot further than a Cuse win.

I still see your argument, but if someone told me right now we'd beat Nova I'd be a lot more excited hearing that than beating Cuse. Nova is a better team and I want SJU to beat the best. Last year showed we can beat Cuse and still be mediocre, but we haven't beaten Nova in years even when we've been good.

I get that some Midwest teams for instance would be more excited about local rivals, but again I know Nova fans will pack the Garden. Also the Cuse game is at the Carrier Dome so that lessens the excitement for SJU fans.

[BigmanU]

I feel like Non Conference games tend to be more anticipated because conference games are against teams you see all the time and you get a second shot against them.

For Georgetown it's hard to say. We get Maryland, Syracuse and Uconn. tough to choose. I think i'll say Maryland just for revenge from last year.

I agree with the MD game also, not as jazzed up about playing in Southern Canada this year.

[ConnersvilleBulldog]

For Butler, I'd probably say the IU game in the Crossroads Classic will be the most anticipated game.

Other than that, obviously the game against Nova will be huge and as well as a possible matchup against Arizona in the Las Vegas Invitational.

[stever20]

I feel like Non Conference games tend to be more anticipated because conference games are against teams you see all the time and you get a second shot against them.

For Georgetown it's hard to say. We get Maryland, Syracuse and Uconn. tough to choose. I think i'll say Maryland just for revenge from last year.

I agree with the MD game also, not as jazzed up about playing in Southern Canada this year.

I think the Syracuse game will be special this time as they'll be honoring the Pearl. It'll be sweet to whip their behinds.

[Hall2012]

Nova away.

Seton Hall's shown a consistent ability to hang with and even beat Villanova on a home/neutral floor the past several years, but every time they go to the ski lodge they get stomped.

Villanova's in a class of its own at the top of the league and the goal right now is to get on their level. Taking last year's BET trophy from them was a big step, but the next one is to end a decade long losing streak and finally beat the Wildcats on their home floor.