Duke lax. Maryland Men’s Lacrosse Dominates Duke 14-5 in NCAA Championship Semifinal

How did Maryland men’s lacrosse defeat Duke in the NCAA semifinal. What were the key factors that led to Maryland’s victory. Who were the standout players for Maryland in the game.

Table of Contents

Maryland’s Impressive Victory Over Duke

In a stunning display of lacrosse prowess, the No. 3 seed Maryland men’s lacrosse team overwhelmed No. 2 seed Duke with a decisive 14-5 victory in the NCAA Championship semifinal. This win propels Maryland into the championship game and solidifies their position as a formidable force in college lacrosse.

The game, which took place on a high-stakes Memorial Day Weekend, saw Maryland overcome initial offensive struggles to deliver what head coach John Tillman described as “probably the best 60 minutes we played all year.” This comprehensive performance across all aspects of the game – defense, face-offs, goalie play, and offense – proved too much for the previously undefeated Duke team to handle.

Logan McNaney’s Stellar Goaltending

One of the standout performers for Maryland was goalkeeper Logan McNaney. His exceptional play between the posts was a crucial factor in the team’s success. How impressive was McNaney’s performance? The statistics speak for themselves:

17 total saves
81% save percentage
70% save rate in the first half

McNaney’s ability to make crucial saves, including a memorable stop against Duke’s Brennan O’Neill in the third quarter, not only prevented Duke from scoring but also initiated swift counterattacks for Maryland. His teammate, defenseman Nick Grill, praised McNaney’s performance, stating, “Logan kind of just showed everyone how good he is. He stopped these small shots that he wanted, but again, I think, to his credit, he was saving some that we probably didn’t want.”

Jared Bernhardt’s Offensive Dominance

While the defense held strong, Maryland’s offense was spearheaded by the exceptional play of attacker Jared Bernhardt. How did Bernhardt impact the game? His performance was characterized by both scoring prowess and playmaking ability:

Scored the first goal of the game
Netted his first three shots
Contributed two assists

Bernhardt’s efficiency was particularly crucial during Maryland’s early offensive struggles. His ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities for his teammates helped steady the team and build momentum. As the game progressed and other players found their rhythm, Bernhardt adapted his role, allowing teammates like Anthony DeMaio and Logan Wisnauskas to contribute to the scoring.

Maryland’s Defensive Masterclass

While the offense eventually found its footing, Maryland’s defense was rock-solid from the start. How did the Terps manage to stifle Duke’s potent offense? Their defensive strategy involved:

Forcing poorly-timed and positioned shots
Limiting Duke to a season-low three goals in the first half
Holding Duke to just two goals in the second half

This defensive effort, combined with McNaney’s goaltending, effectively neutralized Duke’s attacking threats. The Blue Devils, facing their largest deficit of the season, struggled to adapt to the pressure applied by Maryland’s defensive unit.

Overcoming Early Offensive Struggles

Despite their eventual dominance, Maryland’s start to the game was less than ideal. The team, known for their ball security, committed an uncharacteristic eight turnovers in the first quarter alone. By halftime, they were just one turnover short of their season average of 12.3 per game.

How did Maryland overcome these early offensive woes? Bernhardt explained, “I think we were just kind of easing into the game. We know what we’re capable of [so we] get the ball moving and such so we’re able to, you know, settle down.” This ability to regain composure and execute their game plan proved crucial as the match progressed.

The Game-Changing Run

The turning point of the game came in the form of a decisive scoring run by Maryland. What sparked this offensive explosion? Several factors contributed:

Improved ball movement and settled offense
Contributions from multiple players, including face-off specialist Justin Shockey
Capitalizing on Duke’s mounting frustration and rushed possessions

This run, which extended into the third quarter, saw Maryland’s lead balloon to as much as eight goals. The momentum shift was palpable, and Duke found themselves in unfamiliar territory, trailing by a significant margin.

Duke’s Uncharacteristic Struggles

For the Blue Devils, this game represented a departure from their season-long success. What factors contributed to Duke’s subpar performance?

Inability to penetrate Maryland’s staunch defense
Frustration leading to rushed and ill-advised shots
Mounting turnovers as they tried to close the widening gap

Duke’s offense, typically a well-oiled machine, found itself out of sync and unable to match Maryland’s intensity. As the game progressed and the deficit grew, the Blue Devils were forced into an unfamiliar, hurried style of play that played right into Maryland’s hands.

The Impact of Face-offs

One often overlooked aspect of lacrosse that played a significant role in this game was the face-off battle. How did Maryland gain an advantage in this crucial area? The performance of face-off specialist Justin Shockey was instrumental:

Won 7 face-offs in the first half
Scored a goal after winning a face-off and sprinting past Duke’s defense

Shockey’s success at the face-off X not only provided Maryland with additional possessions but also contributed directly to the scoreboard. His ability to turn face-off wins into immediate offensive opportunities added another dimension to Maryland’s attack that Duke struggled to counter.

The Role of Maryland’s Midfield

While the attackers and goalie often grab the headlines, the midfield play was crucial in Maryland’s victory. How did the midfielders contribute to the win?

Facilitated smooth transitions from defense to offense
Provided additional scoring threats, keeping Duke’s defense off-balance
Supported the defense in limiting Duke’s offensive opportunities

Players like Roman Puglise showcased the midfield’s impact, with his full-sprint, side-sweeping shot in the third quarter serving as a prime example of their ability to turn defense into offense quickly and effectively.

Implications for the NCAA Championship

With this convincing victory, Maryland has secured its place in the NCAA Championship game. What does this performance mean for their title aspirations?

Demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes games
Showcases the team’s well-rounded capabilities across all aspects of the game
Builds momentum and confidence heading into the championship match

Head coach John Tillman emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “To get here and bring Maryland to this weekend’s really important to our school and our state and our alums.” The team’s performance against Duke will undoubtedly serve as a confidence booster as they prepare for the championship game.

Adjustments for the Championship Game

Despite their dominant performance, Maryland will likely need to make some adjustments for the championship game. What areas might the team focus on?

Reducing early-game turnovers to establish offensive rhythm more quickly
Maintaining defensive intensity throughout the entire game
Preparing for potential new strategies from their championship opponent

The team’s ability to adapt and refine their game plan will be crucial as they face another top-tier opponent in the final.

The Historical Context

Maryland’s victory over Duke and advancement to the NCAA Championship game adds another chapter to the program’s storied history. How does this achievement fit into the broader context of Maryland lacrosse?

Continues Maryland’s tradition of excellence in men’s lacrosse
Provides an opportunity to add to the program’s national championship tally
Reinforces Maryland’s status as a perennial powerhouse in college lacrosse

For the players, coaches, and fans, this victory represents more than just a win – it’s a chance to etch their names in the annals of Maryland lacrosse history.

Looking Ahead: The Championship Game

As Maryland prepares for the NCAA Championship game, all eyes will be on how they can maintain the level of play displayed against Duke. What factors will be crucial for success in the final?

Continued excellence from goalkeeper Logan McNaney
Sustained offensive production led by Jared Bernhardt and supported by a cast of capable scorers
Maintaining defensive intensity and adaptability
Strong face-off performance to control possession

The Terps have demonstrated their ability to perform at the highest level, but the championship game will undoubtedly present new challenges. How the team prepares mentally and physically in the days leading up to the final will be crucial in determining their readiness to compete for the national title.

The Impact of Experience

Maryland’s roster boasts a mix of experienced veterans and talented underclassmen. How might this blend of experience levels benefit the team in the championship game?

Veterans can provide leadership and calm nerves in high-pressure situations
Younger players bring energy and potentially unexpected elements to the game
The team’s overall experience in big games throughout the season can be drawn upon

This combination of youth and experience could prove to be a significant advantage as Maryland aims to capture the national championship.

The Role of Coaching

Head coach John Tillman’s influence on the team’s success cannot be understated. How has Tillman’s leadership contributed to Maryland’s championship run?

Strategic game planning and in-game adjustments
Player development and utilization of the team’s depth
Fostering a winning culture and maintaining high standards

Tillman’s ability to prepare his team for the challenges of tournament play has been evident throughout their run to the championship game. His experience and tactical acumen will be vital as Maryland faces its final test of the season.

The Broader Impact on College Lacrosse

Maryland’s dominant performance against Duke not only impacts their own program but also has implications for the broader landscape of college lacrosse. How might this game influence the sport moving forward?

Showcases the importance of a well-rounded team approach
Highlights the value of strong goaltending in high-stakes games
Demonstrates the potential for defensive prowess to neutralize even the most potent offenses

As other programs analyze Maryland’s success, it may influence recruiting strategies, tactical approaches, and player development across the college lacrosse world.

Fan and Alumni Engagement

The excitement generated by Maryland’s victory and advancement to the championship game extends beyond the players and coaches. How does this success impact the broader Maryland lacrosse community?

Energizes the fan base and increases support for the program
Strengthens alumni connections and potentially boosts donations
Raises the profile of Maryland lacrosse, potentially attracting future recruits

The ripple effects of this tournament run could be felt for years to come, further solidifying Maryland’s place among the elite programs in college lacrosse.

Media Coverage and Exposure

Maryland’s convincing win over Duke is likely to generate significant media attention. How might this increased exposure benefit the program and the sport of lacrosse?

Raises the profile of college lacrosse on a national stage
Provides opportunities for players and coaches to showcase their talents and insights
Potentially attracts new fans and participants to the sport

As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, high-profile games like this serve as valuable showcases for the excitement and skill involved in the sport at its highest levels.

Conclusion: Maryland’s Path to Glory

Maryland’s 14-5 victory over Duke in the NCAA Championship semifinal was a masterclass in team lacrosse. From Logan McNaney’s stellar goaltending to Jared Bernhardt’s offensive leadership, and from the suffocating defense to the timely scoring runs, the Terps demonstrated why they are considered one of the top programs in college lacrosse.

As they prepare for the championship game, Maryland carries with them the momentum of this impressive win, the confidence that comes from executing at the highest level, and the knowledge that they have the skill and determination to compete for the national title. The lacrosse world now turns its attention to the final, eagerly anticipating whether Maryland can cap off their tournament run with the ultimate prize in college lacrosse.

No. 3 seed Maryland men’s lacrosse rolls past No. 2 seed Duke, 14-5, to advance to NCAA Championship

With 10 minutes left in the third frame, Maryland men’s lacrosse goalie Logan McNaney effortlessly snagged a straight line deep shot from Duke’s Brennan O’Neill and quickly initiated the clear.

The ball would only grace two other cradles after McNaney’s save; defender Brett Makar and midfielder Roman Puglise, who ended the play with a side sweeping shot in a full sprint.

Following a somewhat sloppy first quarter, the Terps were as clean as they could get. The seven-goal lead was the highest deficit the Blue Devils faced all season — and it would get worse for the second seed as the game progressed.

The Terps’ Memorial Day Weekend aspirations were finally within reach and in the face of an uncharacteristic offensive start, they took heed of the opportunity and executed when necessary. Maryland executed its way to a relatively comfy 14-5 win over No. 2 Duke to earn a spot to play on championship Monday.

“To get here and bring Maryland to this weekend’s really important to our school and our state and our alums,” head coach John Tillman said. “I thought from defense to face offs to goalie play to offense — that’s probably the best 60 minutes we played all year.”

After attacker Jared Bernhardt fired a laser in the bottom corner of the cage to open up the scoring for the afternoon, Maryland looked to start a run. But its offensive sloppiness would take hold early, granting the undefeated team a measly 2-1 lead heading into the second quarter. And in spite of being one of the best offenses in the nation when it came to turnovers, averaging an NCAA-best 12.3 turnovers per contest, the Terps had committed eight by the end of the first frame and ended the half just one turnover short of matching their average.

Bernhardt, however, was far from sloppy in his own right. His two goals on two shots paced the turnover-laden offense in the first quarter and helped extend the Maryland lead midway through the second, rewarding the Terp defense for its promising first-half efforts.

The defense, not as shaky as the attacking side, forced poorly-timed and positioned shots by the talented Blue Devils attack. Aided by the solid goaltending by McNaney, who ended his afternoon with a staggering 81% save percentage, the defense held Duke to a season-low three goals in the first half and an even worse two-goal second half.

The offensive jitters would eventually fade and Maryland’s single goal lead, ballooned to 8-3 at the end of the half, thanks to a timely four-goal run.

“I think we were just kind of easing into the game,” Bernhardt said. “We know what we’re capable of [so we] get the ball moving and such so we’re able to, you know, settle down.”

Bernhardt’s fellow attackmen were adding to the score, whether it was by virtue of his magnetic presence or his ability to find them through assists. The third score of the run was from FOGO specialist Justin Shockey who, after winning his seventh faceoff of the contest, sprinted past the first line of the defense to strike a shot in the bottom left corner.

The Terps looked a lot less disheveled as halftime neared and it spelled disaster for Duke.

Duke’s possessions began to grow more futile as the contest continued and Maryland’s five-goal lead turned to an advantage as high as eight before the end of the third quarter, and the Blue Devils’ offense was forced to switch to a gear it wasn’t privy to.

As time dwindled and Maryland’s lead exploded to double digits, the Blue Devils’ offense grew rushed and, in turn, became increasingly easier to guard as their turnovers mounted and confidence wavered. After snapping into shape late in the second half, the Terps were at the doorstep of the NCAA Championship. They blew through the frame with their midgame seven-goal run to officially put the Blue Devils out of reach.

Three things to know

1. Logan McNaney held it down in the cage. McNaney ended the half with seven saves and a 70% save rate and finished the game with 17 saves and an 81% save rate to help complete one of the most impressive defensive efforts for the Terps.

“I think Logan kind of just showed everyone how good he is,” defenseman Nick Grill said. “He stopped these small shots that he wanted, but again, I think, to his credit, he was saving some that we probably didn’t want. So give him all the credit in the world. We love playing for him and we trust [him] wholeheartedly behind us.”

2. Jared Bernhardt took over. After finding the back of the net with his first three shots, Bernhardt began to distribute and get his teammates involved with two assists. He was exceptionally efficient when the Terps, as a team were not. But as the offense improved he took a backseat role and stood aside as midfielder/attacker Anthony DeMaio and attacker Logan Wisnauskas added to Maryland’s game-breaking run. The Tewaaraton favorite ended with five goals and two assists and was named the player of the game.

3. Faceoff dominance. Shockey, aside from Bernhardt, was one of the main consistent factors that helped with Maryland’s success in the first half. His 9-13 start was crucial in disallowing a comeback effort for Duke and vitalizing the end of half run. He ended with an 11-21 faceoff stat line and was the only FOGO between both sides with more than 10 wins.

“I thought Justin Shockey really gave us just great minutes today,” Tillman said “[He] gets a goal, but more importantly, it just felt like we got possessions in that second quarter. And that was huge for us. And again, when you get one from your faceoff guy that’s a big energy boost.”

Duke vs. Maryland, NCAA DI Men’s Final Four Preview

The Duke-Maryland lacrosse rivalry is back!

Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner, and that means the stakes can’t be higher in college lacrosse. One of the multiple tournaments that will conclude this weekend is men’s Division I, and we have some heavyweights set to compete in the Final Four.

It doesn’t get much bigger than Duke and Maryland, and it doesn’t get much more important than a national semifinal. So, what can we expect from this massive matchup?

#2 Duke (14-2) vs. #3 Maryland (14-0): NCAA DI Men’s Lacrosse Final Four Preview

How’d We Get Here?

The second semifinal of the 2021 NCAA Lacrosse Championships is a game that many might’ve predicted as the title matchup before the season. Honestly, this feels like it could be the title game still, were it not for the committee’s decision to drop Maryland to the No. 3 spot. Duke, one of the two ACC co-champions alongside UNC, has the potential to be the best of the ACC, whereas Maryland feels like the leader of The Field, in terms of getting a non-ACC team a title this season.

Should Maryland go on to win a national championship on Memorial Day, it’ll do so having gone through three-fifths of the ACC along the way. After an opening round win over Vermont, Notre Dame took Maryland to OT, but the Terps came out on top. With Duke up next, and a guaranteed ACC opponent waiting in the final, Maryland will have faced more than its share of top-tier competition en route to a theoretical championship. That’s plenty of proving their chops from a team that was (fairly or unfairly) dinged for a conference-only schedule this season.

Meanwhile, Duke is attempting to live up to its otherworldly expectations after adding both superstar grad transfer Michael Sowers and freshman phenom Brennan O’Neill in the offseason. The Blue Devils have looked more mortal than many expected, but they still have just two losses on the year at the hands of No. 1 UNC and No. 6 Notre Dame. Duke finally let Michael Sowers cook in the first round as he exploded for eight points in the Blue Devils’ win over High Point. Duke, too, was taken to overtime in the quarterfinals, as Loyola made a furious upset bid. But once again, OT legend Joe Robertson won the game in extra time with a hero-ball isolation play.

Who Are the Guys on Offense?

Both of these teams are hilariously deep, and there are a zillion threats on each team, so we’ll just talk about their top guys here.

For Duke, everything starts with Sowers. The fifth-year senior is playing in his first-ever playoffs, having missed the tournament with Princeton for his first three years before having the fourth cancelled. Sowers might not be lighting stat sheets on fire like he was for the Tigers in 2020, but he’s still third in the nation with 79 points. In any playoff format, it’s important to ask who could be the best player in any game, and Sowers has the potential to be the best player in any matchup if he’s on.

The same is true for Maryland and presumptive Tewaaraton favorite Jared Bernhardt, who leads the nation in points with 87, despite playing one fewer game than both Sowers and UNC’s Chris Gray. Simply put, Bernhardt has been the most dominant force in college lacrosse this season. He’s shooting a stupidly-high 53% on nearly nine shots per game. He had 12 points in the first two Maryland tournament games, 11 of which were goals. Against Notre Dame (who beat Duke previously) in the quarterfinals, he had five goals on seven shots. Nobody has been a scarier matchup than JB1.

If we go to their seconds, so to speak, we find guys who could easily be the No. 1 option on most other teams in the country. O’Neill has absolutely lived up to the hype as the “Zion Williamson of lacrosse” this season. His 54 points (44G, 10A) are tied for second among the Blue Devils, but his impact goes beyond that. He’s such a threat as an outside shooter that he alters the shape of a defense, forcing longer slides to prevent him from simply gunning away. On the other side of things, Logan Wisnauskas is a criminally-underrated player even as a Third Team All-American. He’s a balanced threat, with a fantastic shot that can turn into a feed at any second. Duke better hope that it’s been hitting the weight room, because both Bernhardt and Wisnauskas are a handful from a physicality perspective.

It would be rude of me not to mention the two stud middies involved here as well. Nakeie Montgomery, a First Team All-American midfielder this season, has been brilliant for the Blue Devils and ranks fourth on the team in total points. Meanwhile, Maryland’s Kyle Long also ranks fourth on his team in points. The speedster was selected as a Third Team All-American and is having a fantastic tournament so far with five points through two games.

Who Are the Guys on Defense?

Well, as usual, Maryland has an elite defense. Brett Makar and Nick Grill were both selected as Second Team All-Americans by Inside Lacrosse. Grill was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year, though it’s possible that Makar actually has the higher reputation amongst both draft scouts and media. The Terps have held opponents to single-digit goals in six of their fourteen games so far this season. If there’s a weakness on this defense, it might (surprisingly) be in net. Logan McNaney has a 51% save rate on the season, an oddly low number for a Maryland goalie. More importantly, the sophomore is on a bit of a cold streak heading into this one. He’s been at just 43% through the first two rounds of the tournament and hasn’t broken 55% since an April 18 date with Ohio State. Considering the offensive firepower at hand for Duke, the Terps will need McNaney to regain his form.

For the Blue Devils, it starts with JT Giles-Harris, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 PLL College Draft. Giles-Harris was selected as a First Team All-American yet again by IL and should be the one tasked with slowing down Jared Bernhardt. If there’s a defenseman out there with the speed/size combo to potentially hinder Bernhardt, Giles-Harris is maybe the best pick. Perhaps most importantly to Duke’s chances, though, is the play of senior goalie Mike Adler. The St. Johns transfer was named a Second Team All-American last week and has been nothing short of a godsend for this Duke team throughout conference play. He made 14 saves against High Point in the first round. He didn’t have his best game against Loyola but still stopped eight of 17 shots and, most cruciallu, got the win.

What Should I Be Watching For?

To me, there are three key battles in this game that could decide the overall results. The first we briefly discussed above, which is the battle of First Team All-Americans that’ll be happening at X. Whether or not JT Giles-Harris can slow down Jared Bernhardt seems like the biggest X-factor of the entire game. Bernhardt has been pretty much unstoppable. His worst game production-wise of the season was a three-point performance against Hopkins in the Big Ten title game. I can’t foresee a situation in which he’s shut down, but holding him to, say, even five points would do wonders for the Blue Devils’ chances of winning this one.

The second comes at the faceoff stripe. Jake Naso has been great for Duke, winning 64% of his draws this season. That’s a big advantage over Maryland, whose leading FOS is winning just 52%. Neither team is exactly dominant at faceoffs, but Naso could help make up for possessions for those that Duke will lose by playing against an elite defense. The more chances to score this Duke team gets, the better. Maryland will need to find a way to bring that back down to closer to 50/50, or it could be in for some trouble.

Finally, I want to see whose third attackman can find a way to best impact the game. Joe Robertson has been a hero in overtime for this Duke team repeatedly, but he’s also the third-leading scorer for the Blue Devils. With Makar and Grill likely guarding Sowers and O’Neill, Duke’s success could come down to Robertson’s ability to beat his man. Similarly, Daniel Maltz actually has the second-most goals for Maryland this season. If Duke focuses heavily on stopping Bernhardt and trying to force him into being a passer, can Maltz find a way to make up for those goals as a cutter and finisher?

Duke vs. Maryland Prediction

If I’m being totally honest, I have no idea who wins this game. Either team could win. They’re both unbelievably stacked. Like I said up top, this could’ve easily been the title game and nobody would’ve batted an eye. Both teams have a Tewaaraton candidate. Both teams have a top-five defenseman. I’d give Maryland the overall edge on defense and Duke just a slight advantage on offense due to overall depth. I’m not going to say that either team’s legendary coach has a true edge over the other.

In the end, I’m taking it down to the intangibles. I’ll say that Giles-Harris manages to slow Bernhardt just enough to make things even, and then the Blue Devils rely on their other units to create the edge. It comes down to overtime, and Duke has the better faceoff guy and the better goalie. That’s just enough to get Joe Robertson the ball and let him do his thing.

Final Score: Duke 14, Maryland 13 (OT)

University of Richmond Athletics Men’s Lacrosse History vs Duke University

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Men’s Lacrosse History vs Duke University from Mar 7, 2016 -
Mar 7, 2021

Last Matchup

Mar. 7,2021

vs.

Score By
Period
Teams	1	2	3	4	F
richmond ur	1	2	1	2	6
duke du	4	5	2	2	13

Longest Win Streak

1
Game

3/7/2016 – 3/7/2016

Longest Losing Streak

6
Games

3/5/2017 – 3/7/2021

Last 7 Matchups

1-6

3/7/2016-3/7/2021

History from Mar 7, 2016 -
Mar 7, 2021
Date	Season	Location	Score
March 7, 2021 3/7/2021	2021	Home Richmond, Va.	L 6 - 13
February 28, 2020 2/28/2020	2020	Away Durham, NC	OT L 15 - 16
May 12, 2019 5/12/2019	2019	Home Durham, N. C.	L 11 - 12
March 1, 2019 3/1/2019	2019	Home Robins Stadium	L 7 - 11
March 3, 2018 3/3/2018	2018	Away Durham, NC	L 4 - 14
March 5, 2017 3/5/2017	2017	Home Robins Stadium (Richmond, Va. )	L 8 - 9
March 7, 2016 3/7/2016	2016	Away Durham, N.C.	W 12 - 10

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