Matt Danowski is a very popular person in Charlotte right now. Danowski nailed a 2-pointer with only 22 seconds left on the clock to push the Charlotte Hounds (3-6) to a 13-12 victory over the Chesapeake Bayhawks (7-2). The Hounds overcame a 3-point deficit late in game to end the Bayhawks’ 5-game win streak.
The Hounds played by far their best game of the season last night; everyone was clicking and playing great lacrosse. Matt Danowski, the game’s MVP, had 4 goals (including the game winning 2-pointer) and 1 assist against the Bayhawks. Right behind Danowski, rookie Justin Turri had 3 points to help out the Hounds. No one can forget one of the top plays of the night; Jovan Miller’s dunk goal. It’s featured as #2 on ESPN’s top plays, and was just downright nasty. Miller, Jeremy Boltus, and Billy Bitter each added 2 points for Charlotte.
The Bayhawks started the game hot and held a lead throughout most of the game, but fell flat towards the end of the game. Going in to the 4th quarter the Bayhawks held a 3 goal lead, and then allowed 7 goals by the Hounds. Possibly the biggest surprise for the Bayhawks was Kyle Dixon getting shut out. Dixon had 4 shots on goal, but couldn’t get a point. John Grant Jr, Steven Brooks and Michael Kimmel each had 3 points for the Bayhawks.
One thing the Bayhawks had going for them was winning 19 of 26 face-offs. The Hounds’ face-off woes continued tonight, which doesn’t surprise many. All season, the Hounds have had trouble at the face-off X.
Adam Ghitelman played a great game in goal last night. Ghitelman stopped 20 of 30 shots for a save percentage of .667. He made all the right saves in the clutch for Charlotte and was a huge reason for the upset by the Hounds. For the Bayhawks, Kip Turner also had a good game, stopping 17 of 29 shots for a .586 save percentage.
After the win, the Hounds currently hold a 3-6 record and moved to 2 games behind the tie for 4th place and the final playoff spot in the league. Fortunately for the Bayhawks, they still hold their 1st place position after the loss to the Hounds. Boston and Denver are both one game behind the Bayhawks now.
