SDSU, Syracuse face off on deck of USS Midway - San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - It's two days later than originally scheduled and comes amid less hoopla than first hoped for, but the "Battle on the Midway" men's college basketball game between No. 20 San Diego State and No. 9 Syracuse is finally set to be played Sunday.

The contest was going to be on Friday afternoon, but predictions of the rain that showed up late last week prompted the rescheduling to 1 p.m. Sunday. So instead of dealing with rain, wind and cold temperatures, the players will have to put up with glare from the court on what promises to be a sunny day.

The original concept was to have the game be part of a weekend-long festival to salute veterans, but the event nearly folded because of problems involving a promoter and local organizer. The arrangements were picked up by the universities' athletics departments and Fox Sports television, and defense contractor Northrop Grumman signed on as a title sponsor about three weeks ago.

Side activities, such as a concert by a band led by Barry Zito -- the San Francisco Giants pitcher and San Diego native -- were jettisoned.

Both teams will work new talent into their lineup this season -- the Aztecs adding two transfers and three prized freshman behind their four returning starters, and the Orangemen replacing three major stars.