Georgetown fans got what they wanted most Thursday afternoon when the Big East Conference announced that the Hoyas will have a home-and-home series with Syracuse.

Last year, Georgetown traveled to the Carrier Dome but Syracuse did not make the return trip to Verizon Center. The games will be part of the final chapter of the iconic rivalry, as the Orange are set to join the ACC in 2014.

Despite West Virginia’s defection to the Big 12, the Big East will still have an 18-game league schedule in 2012-2013. Because the conference only has 15 teams, the Hoyas will play Syracuse and three other times twice.

Of the three other teams they play twice, Georgetown can expect tough fights from both Marquette — with whom they split last year’s series — and St. John’s, which brings in a solid recruiting class. The final home-and-home opponent is Rutgers.

Aside from those repeat matchups, the Blue and Gray will host several marquee games. It is possible that Louisville — coming off a trip to the Final Four without losing any of their top talent — will come to Verizon Center as the nation’s top team.

Pittsburgh — always a tough opponent — and Seton Hall, which has improved rapidly under Head Coach Kevin Willard, should also provide entertainment for fans.

Two lesser tier games, if there is such a thing in the always-tough Big East, will be home dates with DePaul and Providence.

Playing host to the Blue Demons and the Friars will provide the Hoyas with some consolation for there very tough road schedule. Aside from Marquette and Syracuse, Georgetown will travel to four schools that made the NCAA tournament last season: Connecticut, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and USF.

Rounding out the road schedule are the repeats with St. John’s and Rutgers and a short trip to Philadelphia to take on Villanova.

Dates, time and television arrangements for the games will be announced later.