It all goes down this Sunday. The Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse team will go toe-to-toe with the Bryant Bulldogs in the first round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament. Central New York’s own Carrier Dome will be host to the showdown as the Orange hope to continue riding the lightning of their 2014 season, and Bryant hopes to follow up on their almost-too-close-for-comfort victory over Siena.
7:30 pm
Sunday, Carrier Dome
Syracuse New York
SYRACUSE
Syracuse has always been known for their fast style of play. Coach John Desko always pushes for quicker subbing, fluid defensive sliding and outpacing the opponent on offense. Many teams find this dynamic offense difficult to keep up with.
The only real problems the Orange have experienced this season are with faceoffs and goaltending. Since Galloway graduated, ‘Cuse has struggled to remain a consistent challenge against opposing pressure. Many easy saves become goals when Lamolinara and Wardwell miss them.
They’ve averaged .471 face off wins this season, but make up for it by outshooting the competition (both shots and on-goal) and controlling possession of the ball when they snag it.
Central New York has always been headquarters to historical, traditional and competitive lacrosse. Syracuse appears in the NCAA postseason more often than not.
BRYANT
Bryant has been equally consistent this season, committing to a record of 15-4. They have close to the same average of SOG as their upcoming opponent, and the Bulldogs carry the face off momentum. So far in 2014 the Bulldogs have won more draws than the Orange have.
WHO TO WATCH
For the Orange, watch for Wardwell to start the game in goal. He will remain consistent if the offense can maintain possession allowing him to track the ball all the way down the field.
Kevin Rice, Randy Staats and Dylan Donahue have been consistent offensive pressures for opposing defenses this season. Each have over 30 goals on the season, have the speed to ankle-break defenders, and possess genius lacrosse IQs.
Bryant has high volumes of talent in Tucker James, Colin Dunster and Shane Morrell (40-plus goals). However, they may be challenged by the Syracuse defense.
PREDICTION
I expect Syracuse to make at least a second round appearance this year. This match up is on their home turf, they have the postseason experience, and have grown accustom to higher levels of competition following their induction into the ACC this year.
SYRACUSE 17 BRYANT 11
