Syracuse ready for opening game against Vermont

By By PAT BAILEY

Story Created: Mar 19, 2010 at 10:31 AM EST

Story Updated: Mar 19, 2010 at 12:19 PM EST

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKTV) - Many Syracuse University basketball fans from the Mohawk Valley are en route to Buffalo to watch the Orange play Vermont in the first round of the NCAA tournament, with tipoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Friday night.

Day two of the NCAA tournament tipped off here in Buffalo around Noon on Friday. Earlier in the day there was a lot of yellow as numerous West Virginia fans filed into the HSBC arena, but the color orange was minimal. As the clock ticks closer to Syracuse's 9:30 tipoff, you can guarantee there will be plenty of Syracuse University fans filling the stands.

For the first time in 30 years, Syracuse is a number-one seed in the NCAA tournament, and Orange fans said they aren't going to miss it.

Drawing Buffalo as the place to host their opening round game could not have been anymore perfect. A large contingent of Syracuse fans from the Mohawk Valley are expected to make the short drive. It's a dream come true for many fans, and extra motivation for the SU players.

Some of those fans who made the trip spent some money to get there. Since the game is sold out, the only way to get tickets is online or a scalper.

The average price online for a ticket to see SU play Friday night is $130.
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