As the NCAA Tournament narrows towards the semifinals, the Maryland men’s lacrosse team, seeded No. 2, prepares for a clash with No. 4 Georgetown. Having faced five of the quarterfinalists in their regular-season schedule, the Terps boast a flawless record of 6-0 against those opponents, showcasing their strength and consistency throughout the season.
Maryland’s upcoming match against Georgetown represents a new chapter, as the two teams previously met in a January scrimmage. However, head coach John Tillman emphasizes that scrimmages do not reflect the current dynamics of a competitive game. “You want to watch some of the new stuff too… we just want our kids prepared and ready to roll,” Tillman remarked, highlighting their focus on adaptation and readiness.
Georgetown, with a record of 12-4, has shown marked improvement over the course of the season, particularly with their offensive capabilities. After a shaky start averaging only nine goals per game, the Hoyas exploded offensively, recently averaging 17.8 goals over their last five games, including a strong showing in their victories leading up to this matchup.
Key players for Georgetown include Aidan Carroll, who leads the team with 74 points from 48 goals and 26 assists, and Fulton Bayman, who has made significant contributions with 32 assists and scored a season-high four goals against Duke. The Hoyas’ defense is equally impressive, allowing an average of only 9.12 goals per game, tied for ninth-best nationally, which emphasizes their solid defensive foundation.
The game will take place on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, and fans can watch the action live on ESPN+ and ESPNU.
In this high-stakes matchup, faceoffs will play a crucial role, with Maryland’s Shea Keethler looking to build on his recent success against Georgetown’s Ross Prince, who has an impressive 63.7% win rate. Additionally, Maryland’s senior attackman Eric Spanos recently achieved his 100th career point, contributing to a sense of alertness and ability within the team.
With a win on Sunday, Maryland could secure its 30th semifinal appearance, reinforcing its legacy as a powerhouse in college lacrosse. As both teams exhibit heightened offensive prowess, fans can expect an exhilarating competition that could bring a thrilling conclusion to the NCAA Tournament’s next chapter.