Syracuse, N.Y. — In a thrilling NCAA tournament matchup, the sixth-seeded Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse team pulled off a dramatic comeback against the Harvard Crimson, clinching a 13-12 overtime victory Sunday evening at the JMA Wireless Dome. This win not only advances the Orange in the tournament but also underscores their resilience after facing a significant halftime deficit.
The game was a nail-biter right from the start, with Harvard taking control early on. The Crimson led 8-2 at the half, capitalizing on Syracuse’s struggles, which included a staggering 20 turnovers throughout the game. Conditions seemed dire for the Orange as they fought to establish any kind of rhythm, hindered by Harvard’s aggressive play and physicality.
However, everything changed in the fourth quarter. Syracuse, refusing to concede defeat, erupted with seven goals, outscoring Harvard 7-3 in the final frame. Key to this comeback was John Mullen, who dominated face-offs, winning 24 of 28 attempts. His performance granted the Orange crucial possessions at opportune moments throughout the fourth period.
Led by Luke Rhoa, who scored four goals, Syracuse capitalized on several man-up opportunities as Harvard struggled with late-game penalties. Rhoa’s decisive scoring, alongside contributions from Owen Hiltz and Joey Spallina, was instrumental in turning the tide. Hiltz played a crucial role, assisting the game-winning goal with just over three minutes remaining in overtime.
The dramatic finish highlighted not only Syracuse’s offensive prowess but also the psychological turnaround after a rocky start. The Orange managed to score six consecutive goals, igniting a passionate crowd as they tied the game at 12-12 with just seconds left on the clock. Owen Gaffney’s last-minute goal for Harvard briefly reignited hope for the Crimson, but it was Hiltz who ultimately sealed their fate.
Now, Syracuse gears up to face Princeton in the next round of the tournament, with game details to be announced soon. Coach Gary Gait expressed confidence in his team’s ability to learn and adapt, having previously lost to Harvard in February. With their performance in the latest game, they seem ready to tackle their next challenge.
Despite the earlier struggles, Syracuse’s win serves as a testament to their determination and skill, setting an optimistic tone as they continue their tournament journey. The Orange hope to ride this wave of momentum in their pursuit of a championship.