The Duke lacrosse team hosts its biggest rival on Senior Day.
Duke lacrosse (10-5, 2-2 ACC) is set to host the North Carolina Tar Heels (8-5, 1-4 ACC) in the final home game of the season for the Blue Devils. The game will be televised at 5:30 p.m. on the ACC Network.
This is Duke’s first game in 16 days, as the team was taking time off due to final exams. In addition, 24 players will be honored for their contribution to the program, with the honorees being14 fourth-year seniors and 10 graduate students.
Last time out between Duke lacrosse and UNC
The last time the two teams met was on April 2 in Chapel Hill, with Duke earning a satisfying 15-6 win, and the game wasn’t even that close. Graduate student Mike Adler simply stood on his head in goal, making 19 saves, as Duke went into the half with a 5-1 lead and never looked back.
The story of the game was Duke’s defense. Adler and company nearly shut out a powerful UNC offense for the first half, as the opposition tacked on its only goal with almost two minutes until intermission. And the Blue Devils didn’t allow a second tally until there was almost a minute left in the third quarter.
Close calls are usually the main feature of UNC-Duke lacrosse games
What made the win so satisfying was the margin of victory, which is a rarity in this game. It doesn’t matter what sport these two teams play against each other because it’s always going to be a battle.
If any Duke fan thinks the Blue Devils will have a repeat of the first game on Sunday, they are sorely mistaken. Six of the last 10 matchups between North Carolina and Duke have been decided by a single goal, including a pulsating Duke win in overtime at home last year. In addition, while UNC leads the series, the two teams have split their last 10 meetings.
Duke lacrosse implications
A win would leave players, coaches, and fans extremely happy in sweeping their most hated rival, although they could certainly meet again come postseason time. It would also give Duke a major confidence boost as the Blue Devils head to the conference tournament next week.
Prediction
This game, along with the emotions of wanting to honor the seniors with a win, should result in a tight contest. And so with the pick: Duke 19, UNC 15
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