Instant Juice: Syracuse 15, Duke 14

Syracuse captured its first ACC lacrosse title by holding off Duke 15-14 Sunday afternoon
Syracuse captured its first ACC lacrosse title by holding off Duke 15-14 Sunday afternoon
Syracuse captured its first ACC lacrosse title by holding off Duke 15-14 Sunday afternoon

Chester, Pa. – A quick take on Syracuse’s exciting 15-14 win versus Duke Sunday afternoon in the ACC Championship game at sunny and bright PPL Park outside of Philadelphia:

WHAT HAPPENED: In an expected back-and-forth game against two programs that know each other well, and with each possession precious, SU (11-2) kept a slim lead throughout the second half before finally opening up a three goal advantage with 3:15 to play, just enough margin to hold on for the win in the final frantic minute of the game.

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WHAT IT MEANS: In its second ACC season, Syracuse captures its first league title by sweeping the season games against the Blue Devils (11-5) after winning 19-7 in the Dome March 22.  The victory, along with a win in the last regular season game this weekend at Colgate, could lift the Orange to the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

STAR GAZING: Orange attackman Kevin Rice was his usual pesky self with three goals and four assists, while Randy Staats and Nicky Galasso had three goals apiece.  Duke’s Kyle Rowe, and to a lesser extent his brother Jack, won the faceoff battle with Ben Williams at the X 21-11, including critical fourth quarter possessions to keep DU in the game.

WHAT’S NEXT: Syracuse closes out the regular season with a road game at Colgate Saturday, May 2.  The Raiders (10-4) beat Army 11-8 in the Patriot League championship game Sunday afternoon.  Game Time: 3:30 p.m. ET / TV: CBS Sports Network.

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About Brad Bierman 848 Articles
Now in his sixth decade of covering SU sports, Brad was sports director of WSYR radio for eight years into the early 1990s, then wrote the Orange Watch column for The Big Orange/The Juice print publication for 18 years. A Syracuse University graduate, Brad currently runs his own media consulting business in the Philadelphia suburbs. Follow him on Twitter @BradBierman.