Conference Championship time is upon us and Loyola (Patriot) and Notre Dame (ACC) are in the NCAA tournament after their victories this past weekend. Semi Final action will be in full effect on Thursday with:
CAA
Towson vs. Drexel—this winner plays Hofstra who won 8-6 on Wednesday over Delaware. In a close contest I’m going with Towson to win a hard fought battle. If the game goes beyond 10 goals I would be shocked. I’m saying Towson 9-Drexel 7.
A-SUN
Mercer vs. Richmond—upset alert. I feel that Richmond is really coming on with their strong play led by Mitch Goldberg who has had an outstanding freshman year. I’m going to go with the Spiders over Mercer by three.
High Point vs. Jacksonvile—I picked HPU in the preseason and I’m sticking with them. The Panthers have weapons all over the place and Austin Geisler is a stalwart in the goal. Chambo says High Point by four.
NEC
St. Joseph’s vs. Hobart—the Statemen are a proud lacrosse program with a great trdaition, while St. Joseph’s is building a winner under coach Taylor Wray. I’m going new school over old school, St. Joseph’s by two.
Bryant vs. Sacred Heart—I like what the Pioneers are doing under Jon Basti, (I feel that they are a year away from being a championship contender) Bryant’s Kevin Massa on the faceoffs is a tough matchup. Bulldogs will prevail by five.
MAAC
Siena vs. Canisius—Tommy Cordts is my x factor in this contest, his strong goaltending will be the difference in the Saints victory over the Griffins.
Marist vs. Detroit—I have been impressed with Marist since they thumped Stony Brook on opening day, but Detroit’s coach Holtz really does an excellent job to getting his guys to peak at the right time. Can 2013 be repeated again? I say remember the Titans on Thursday. Detroit by three.
Big East
Denver vs. Rutgers—the Pioneers have too much offense. Denver by six.
Marquette vs. Villanova—congrats to Joe Amplo on his Big East coach of the year award for Marquette. My prediction, the Golden Eagles soar into the finals in a huge win over the Wildcats.
ECAC
Fairfield vs. Michigan—my heart says Michigan but my head says Fairfield. Stags by three.
Ohio State vs. Air Force—cue up the Fight Song as the Boys in Blue will pick up the upset over the Buckeyes.
America East
Binghamton vs. UMBC—I like this Binghamton team and they just might be a year away from contending for a title, last week they got blitzed by Albany. For UMBC, Phil Poe has willed his team into the semifinal and that will continue as the retrievers win by three. (I also gotta say that the selection of Poe by Boston in the seventh round might end up being aces for the Cannons) http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/news/8798/2014-collegiate-draft-results/
Albany vs. Stony Brook—the Seawolves got smoked by Albany a couple of weeks ago. For this to not repeat itself, Stony Brook will have to tighten up their effort of “keep the ball away from the Thompson trio.” In the end, Albany is going to prevail with a once in a generation talent in Lyle Thompson putting on a show. If you live on Long Island, please go to the game, you will see a true artist out there.
