After securing a victory in Annapolis that advanced the No. 2-seed Maryland men’s lacrosse team to the Final Four, head coach John Tillman referenced an old Navy SEAL saying to encapsulate his team’s approach to the high-pressure environment of the NCAA semifinals: “The only easy day is yesterday.” His team’s unwavering slogan, “be the best,” is a mantra they carry into this high-stakes matchup.
A win on Saturday will propel the Terps into the national championship game, further solidifying their quest for lacrosse supremacy. This upcoming semifinal matchup against No. 6-seed Syracuse not only carries significant implications but also serves as a reminder of Maryland lacrosse’s history from 24 years ago when the program was searching for a new head coach after Dick Edell. While a younger Gary Gait, now the head coach at Syracuse, expressed interest in the position, the Terps ultimately chose Dave Cottle—a decision that left some fans yearning for a different outcome. However, Tillman’s impressive record of 78% wins over his 15 seasons has quelled those initial frustrations, leading Maryland to its 11th Final Four under his guidance.
The highly anticipated showdown between Maryland and Syracuse is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium, broadcast on ESPN2.
Last February, the two teams faced each other, with Maryland claiming an 11-7 victory. Despite a tightly contested first half, Maryland exploded for a 4-0 run to kick off the second, taking control of the game. Maryland’s disciplined defensive play limited the Orange to just two goals in the second half, showcasing the Terps’ capacity to dominate in challenging conditions.
Throughout this season, Maryland has remained resilient despite narrowly missing out on both the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles to Ohio State. Their defense is notably the second-best in the nation, though the offense has struggled at times. Tillman expressed a desire for a faster-paced game, but emphasized his commitment to adapt based on the team’s dynamics.
On the other side, Syracuse has experienced an erratic season, with periods of success followed by disappointing losses. After a tough stretch, they rebounded spectacularly, securing the ACC Tournament title and advancing through the NCAA tournament with tightly contested wins.
Key factors to watch in the upcoming game include faceoff performance, as both teams excel at minimizing turnovers, and how Syracuse star Joey Spallina is handled by Maryland’s defense. Spallina’s ability to both assist and score will be crucial in determining the outcome of this matchup.
As the match approaches, fans can remain hopeful, as both teams are primed for an exciting, potentially historic clash in the quest for the championship title.