- T-Ho
Full Tilt: February 19th College Lacrosse Predictions
Last week rounded up what many are considering to be “Week 0” games. We went 2-2 picking those games. Now things really start to ramp up as we get into the full swing of the 2022 college lacrosse season. For the first time since the early spring of 2020 the teams from the Ivy League are finally back. No lacrosse took place in the conference during the 2021 season except for a couple of exhibitions. With that being said, let us not waste any more time.
**All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook**
Georgetown -2.5 vs UPenn O/U 24.5
One of the many Ivy’s that get going this weekend, the Penn Quakers are chomping at the bit. In 2019 which was the last full season by the Ivy league, Sam Handley posted 61 points (35G, 26A) for Penn. I know for a fact that in his “senior” season he is looking for similar success. With him at the tip of the offensive spear for the Quakers, I have a feeling the rest will rally around him. Georgetown just last week showed us that their offense is not something to be messed with, beating Hopkins 16-8. Even with the graduation of Jake Carraway, the rest of the team seems to not be missing a beat. Dylan Watson posted 6 goals accompanied by 8 other goal scorers. I feel that this is going to be a goal scoring festival. That is why I am taking the Over 24.5.
The Pick: Over 24.5
Yale -5.5 vs Villanova O/U 25.5
In gambling people like to follow trends. I am definitely one of those people. Unfortunately for me there are not vast databases of against the spread statistics for College Lacrosse but have no fear, for I have us a trend. In 2018 the Yale Bulldogs took home the national championship. In 2019 the Eli’s went back to the big game only to come up short against UVA. Want to know the one thing in common during those seasons? It so happens to be an early season overtime loss to the Villanova Wildcats. Now it's quite obvious that these are not the same rosters. But just like Duke is okay with dropping an early game, it seems that Coach Andy Shay and the Bulldogs are too. This is their first real action in 2 years so some rust is to be expected. Villanova is fresh off a win against Penn State and looking for more. I like Villanova +5.5 here. Just as a caution this was a candidate for my flier of the week.
The Pick: Villanova +5.5
UVA -6.5 vs Towson O/U 26.5
I am not doing too much reading into this one. The defending champs are coming out of a one goal win against High Point. I know they are looking to assert their dominance. Towson suffered a 18-12 loss to a questionable Hopkins squad. Last time the Cavs the Tigers met, the Hoos rolled to a 20-11 win. If Towson covers I will accept the loss but I cannot see myself going against the champs and feeling good about it.
The Pick: UVA -6.5
Duke -3.5 vs Denver O/U 26.5
I am locking this in as my flier of the week. The season is still young and there is a lot that we need to figure out. This matchup has a lot of history, from regular season showdowns to play off meetings, these two have squared off plenty in recent years. Denver has been victorious in 6 of the last 12 meetings. They are currently on a 4 game losing streak to the Blue Devils. Duke officially suffered their typical February loss to Jacksonville last week. So they are looking to play tough. In the Duke vs Denver history the largest margin of victory is 6 goals with the smallest being 2 goals. This is making me think the Duke will win but may not cover the 3.5 margin. That is why my flier of the week is Denver +3.5
The Pick: Denver +3.5
Maryland -3.5 vs Syracuse O/U 28.5
This is no doubt the matchup of the weekend. Two of the most storied programs in all of college lacrosse face off in one of the most storied venues, the Carrier Dome. The Terps have won the last 3 contests between these two. The last time they clashed in the Dome, Maryland came out on top 16-8. This is the first real test of Gary Gait and the Orange. As good of a team that ‘Cuse can and will eventually be, Maryland seems more prepared for a big time match up like this. They have the services of those like Wisnauskas, Khan, and Donville. The Terps have a lot of firepower on their offense. This game may be end up a barn burner but I still think they win and cover.
The Pick: Maryland -3.5
Those are my predictions for this weekend's games. Stay tuned for another blog dropping soon with my predictions for next time. If you like my picks, or disagree with me, let me know on Twitter @t_hohenshelt. As always lets have ourselves a weekend and make some money, responsibly.
References:
https://denverpioneers.com/sports/mens-lacrosse/opponent-history/duke-university/381
https://yalebulldogs.com/sports/mens-lacrosse/schedule
https://virginiasports.com/sports/mlax/schedule/
https://pennathletics.com/sports/mens-lacrosse