Division 1 Men's Lacrosse Conference Tournament Predictions: Part 1
30/04/2024 21:56
Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse Conference Tournament Predictions: Part 1
Excitement builds as the Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse conference tournaments are on the horizon, and the nation is buzzing with excitement. Each conference offers its own rare blend of talent and competitiveness, offering sure thrills with outcomes that are likely unpredictable. From powerhouse ACC teams to battles won by margins in the Ivy League, every game carries the weight of tradition and the promise of a season-defining win. The article further delves into the conference nuances: top contenders, dark horses, and the dynamics that could influence the outcomes of these fiercely competitive tournaments. As we get closer to breaking down the strengths and the possible pitfalls of each team, let us get ready for a series of games that showcase not only skillful play but also the strategic brilliance of Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse. Come with me as I take you through the landscapes of these tournaments, giving insight and predictions that may just win you the edge to your very own tournament brackets.
Part 1 will focus on the ACC, Big Ten, Big East, Ivy League, and Patriot League.
ACC
- Notre Dame (4-0)
- Syracuse (3-1)
- Duke (1-3)
- Virginia (1-3)
As wild a season as it’s been in Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse, the ACC—with Syracuse starting to wake up—has set the new bar. The chaos hit its peak this past weekend when Duke, while ranked at the very top of the nation, nearly was kept from the tournament due to their loss to UNC. Arguably, the nation’s top four teams sit in the ACC, making this tournament very exciting in early May. Despite all their past struggles, I predict that the Virginia Cavaliers, under Lars Tiffany, will make a magical run to win the ACC title.
PREDICTION: Virginia
Big Ten
- Johns Hopkins (5-0)
- Penn State (3-2)
- Maryland (3-2)
- Michigan (2-3)
The Big Ten Tournament is always a joy every year. Last year, Michigan’s team made a shocking run to a Big Ten Tournament Championship as the No.4 seed, but I do not expect that same level of magic this year. Of course, Maryland is in the running, but that is the Terrapins for you. You can never truly count out Maryland, despite what you think in the regular season. Penn State is probably underrated as the No. 2 seed which is crazy to say considering their record. Nevertheless, I don’t think any of this really matters as long as Johns Hopkins is around. This tournament run will be all Blue Jays, carried on the back of their overwhelming talent.
PREDICTION: Johns Hopkins
Big East
- Denver (5-0)
- Georgetown (4-1)
- Providence (3-2)
- Villanova (2-3)
The BIG EAST championship in Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse should see the dominant forces of Georgetown and Denver collide. Georgetown has proven the skeptics wrong by overcoming the early-season losses, while Denver has really shown some promise in Coach Brown’s first year at the helm. I am already looking past the first round, as Providence and Villanova don’t have any shot. This title game is going to be a battle from start to finish, with two elite programs that are always looking for a piece of the Big East title. I expect Denver to be a dominant winner over Georgetown in the championship game.
PREDICTION: Denver
Ivy League
- Cornell (5-1)
- Yale (4-2)
- Princeton (4-2)
- Penn (4-2)
The Ivy League makes for an excellent case with the presence of parity in Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse. Each game can go realistically to any of the four teams, and a high-scoring match is just about assured in each game. Cornell shows a ton of upside; Yale has established successes; Princeton could turn the corner here; and Penn is as strong a dark horse as any. As such, I’m sticking with my preseason prediction of Yale to navigate through this bracketed dogfight.
PREDICTION: Yale
Patriot League
- Army (6-2)
- Lehigh (6-2)
- Navy (5-3)
- Boston University (5-3)
- Colgate (5-3)
- Loyola (5-3)
The Patriot League, like the Ivy League, has a lot of parity and upsets, which makes it a thrilling division in Men’s Lacrosse Division 1. Army showed a strong regular season and should be set to make a deep run for the NCAA tournament. I’m not fully in love with anyone outside of Army, and I have faith that team can compete with just about anyone in the country. So, as the tournament gets underway, maybe the Army will look good; however, Boston University might yet have something to say for a second time this year.
PREDICTION: Army
