This weekend was about as close in performance NCAA games have been thus far in 2014. I don’t mean scores… I speak of statistics and in-game situations. Many games this weekend were neck and neck until teams took advantage of opportune situations.
Virginia – 9
Notre Dame – 18
The Fighting Irish came out with a very mobile and inclusive offense full of assists, offensive rotation and off-ball movement. They had 11 different players score goals, lead by Matt Kavanagh with 4 goals and Nick Osello with 3 goals. Virginia was a performance of individual efforts by Mark Cockerton (3 goals) and Ryan Tucker (2 goals). Shots: VA(26), ND(40). Ground Balls: VA(21), ND(34). Face offs: VA(8-30), ND (22-30).
Syracuse – 12
Johns Hopkins – 10
Both teams were fast and all-around well performing. Johns Hopkins did a fantastic job with one on ones, following the direction of their coach that they couldn’t afford to be beat by an Orange offender. Syracuse responded with great feeding and crease pressure, as well as successful sliding on the defensive side. Syracuse’s Dylan Donahue had a big day with contributions both offensively and defensively (occasionally).
UMass – 8
Penn St – 6
Very tight game the whole way through. PSU had 3 scorers while UMass had 6. UMass recorded 33 shots, PSU recorded 36. UMass recovered 21 ground balls, PSU scooped 28. Penn State won nine of the 15 face offs, and both teams were successful on all clears but one each. Each team got 5 man-up opportunities, UMass capitalized on one, PSU on 2. I believe the difference maker of this games was goalie-saves performances. PSU saved 10 goals, UMass saved 15.
N. Carolina – 8
Duke – 9 (OT)
The Tarheels brought the offense, Duke brought the defense. The statistics truly reflect the outcome of this game. Blue Devils were led offensively by Jordan Wolf with 4 goals and 1 assist. N.C. was led by Jimmy Bitter (3 goals) and Michael Tagliaferri (3 goals). Both teams tied for 33 ground balls, were apart on shots, tied at 15 for saves. Duke was successful on 100% of their clears, and North Carolina won the majority of faces (13-20).
UPenn – 12
Princeton – 15
Penalties and power plays made the difference in this competition. Shots: UP(45), Princeton (41). GB: UP(37), Princeton (42). Turnovers: UP(16), Princeton (18). Face offs: UPenn went 15 of 31, Princeton won 16 of 31. UPenn got 8 man-up opportunities and capitalized on 1 of them. Princeton received 5 opportunities and capitalized on 3 of them (notice they won by 3?). Tom Schreiber looked alive again with 4 goals and 1 assist, aided by Ryan Ambler who had the same.
Denver – 9
Ohio State – 6
Pioneer #33 Zach Miller led the day with 5 goals and 2 assists. Both goalies for Denver split game-time-play 50/50, while they scored unanswered for over 17 minutes in the second half. Buckeye #12 David Planning recorded 3 goals and 1 assist. Shots: OSU(29), DU(26). Saves: OSU(6), DU(13). GB: OSU(17), DU(28). Draws: OSU(8-17), DU(9-17).
Villanova – 10
Maryland – 12
Wow. This was a statistical and performance thriller. Maryland outperformed ‘Nova in shots (V-29, M-39) and ground balls (V-27, M-49). The Wildcats capitalized on more power play opportunities(2 of 5 opps). The teams went 50-50 on face offs! 13-for-26 on each side. AND, both teams had 7 different scorers. Terps #15 Matt Rambo (2 goals), #1 Mike Chanenchuk (3 goals, 1 assist), #23 Connor Cannizarro (3 goals) led the turtle effort. Wildcats #6 Kevin O’Neil (3 goals, 1 assist) and #19 Jack Curran (2 goals, 1 assist) led the blue effort.
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@IanNeadle
