3 takeaways from No. 6 Syracuse's 10-4 win over No. 4 Duke
Syracuse lacrosse defeated Duke 10-4 at the JMA Wireless Dome on Wednesday night as the Orange defense completely stifled the Blue Devils.
Here are three takeaways from the game that gave Syracuse their eighth win on the year.
Phenomenal defense
Syracuse’s defense held Duke to only four goals, the first time since 2020 that SU allowed accomplished the feat. It was also the first time since 2012 Duke had not topped four goals.
The Blue Devils had 19 turnovers and the Orange collected 26 ground balls in what was the best defensive performance of the Gary Gait era.
“We haven't allowed teams to get free shots. If you look back at that game, there really were very few wide open shots. We’re willing to, square off and be ready to make a save,” Gait said. “Every shot was challenged. There are very few that you know there wasn't a stick on the gloves that are sticking in somewhere.”
Duke boasts two of the best players in the nation in last year's Tewaaraton award winner Brennan O'Neill and Michigan transfer Josh Zawada. O'Neill had 29 goals coming into this game and Zawada had 29 assists on the year.
The Orange was nonplussed, holding O'Neill to just one goal and Zawada to zero assists.
“They're doing their job, and they're getting support when they need it," Gait said. You know, switching off the guys when they have to go to help but we're finding ways to continue to play with defense when we don't have the matchup we want."
Will Mark was just as good
Goalie Will Mark played by far his best game of the year. Mark recorded 14 saves including 10 in the first half. Syracuse failed to win a faceoff in the first half, so Mark’s performance was essential in making sure Duke couldn’t jump out to a big lead while dominating time of possession.
“I think the key to being a successful goalie is playing with a clear head, not thinking too much and being able to play fluidly and naturally,” Mark said.
Mark recorded a save rate of 77.8 percent, his best of the year and 22 percent higher than his season average.
“‘Play at the speed of trust’ being able to play free, fast and aggressive because you know you’ve got 5-6 guys behind you ready to get your back has been a huge part of our defense,” Mark said.
Mark has been trending upwards as of late as he’s had a save percentage above 73 percent in both of the last two games. He has certainly been a catalyst in the Orange’s four game winning streak.
Syracuse with another statement win
Syracuse recorded their fourth win against a ranked opponent and their second win against a top four team.
Syracuse failed to win the first eight faceoffs, and didn't win one until the start of the third period when Duke committed a violation.
That proved to be the impetus to winning the next six of nine at the faceoff X, which allowed them to score four straight goals to start the third period and jump out to a comfortable 8-2 lead.
“It wasn't our best performance at the faceoff X but I will say that they responded in the second half," Gait said. "We got dominated in the first half and our defense bailed us out. But then in the third quarter and six of seven that allowed us to put the pressure on them to run offensively and I thought that was huge.”
Syracuse dominated the stat sheet. They beat Duke in clears, ground balls and had matched them on shots even while losing on faceoffs. The Orange were also better in extra-man opportunities, had less turnovers, less shot clock violations and less penalties.
“We have a pretty high standard here and we're not where we want to be. So we're just gonna keep working until we are where we want to be,” Gait said. “When I was taking over this job I told the athletic director that we would be back in Final Four and championship situations. We’re not there so we still have work to do but I think we’re progressing in the right direction.”
Syracuse returns to action on Saturday, traveling to Geneva, N.Y. to take on Hobart (3-4) in the annual battle for the Kraus-Simmons Trophy. Due to expected bitterly cold weather on Saturday, the game time has now been scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
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