Semifinal No. 1 -- UNC v. Northwestern 5/27 -- 3:00 pm

[Seacoaster(1)]

Hard to imagine North Carolina losing this game, since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions. Still, this should be a good game. Like the SBU-UNC game, I think the story of this game will end up being Carolina's defense giving Gilbert and Co. a long and difficult day. UNC 16-10.

[Bart]

Hard to imagine North Carolina losing this game, since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions. Still, this should be a good game. Like the SBU-UNC game, I think the story of this game will end u being Carolina's defense giving Gilbert and Co. a long and difficult day. UNC 16-10.

Will be interesting to see if NW goes back to the zone. If so, do they extend out and if they do can Carolina figure it out. Against SB they really never figured it out.

[OuttaNowhereWregget]

Well--another chance for NU to prove they are still a legitimate (cough) powerhouse. I don't see it. Carolina will get control of this one fairly early and win comfortably. NU just never seems to have a gameplan when they go up against superior talent in the NCAA's these days (being the last 10 years). We'll see if they've learned anything about discipline and control or will they cha-ching with the yellow cards all game long like they did in last years semi? In any event, I don't see them having a chance in this one. Heels by 6+

[Matnum PI]

Just when I think UNC is made of steel, they play a game where they show vulnerabilities. Lest we forget, UNC didn't win it all last season. With this said, I don't think Northwestern is the team to beat them...

[Seacoaster(1)]

Just when I think UNC is made of steel, they play a game where they show vulnerabilities. Lest we forget, UNC didn't win it all last season. With this said, I don't think Northwestern is the team to beat them...

Interesting. I actually came away -- rightly or (likely) wrongly -- from this game being really impressed with UNC. The game showed more strengths than vulnerabilities, to me anyway. UNC played a really well-coached and well-prepared team, which featured a very unusual and energetic defense and plan, and UNC did what they had to do: keep the other side from scoring until they figured out what it would take to score. SBU made them play faster than perhaps UNC likes, and made them work for sharp interior passes -- the type that get knocked down and intercepted and mishandled -- and that resulted in more turnovers than usual for UNC. But the UNC defense made the stops it needed to make, and figured out a tough defense soon enough to win. I was impressed that UNC, in the middle of a very tight and tense game, continued to play its second midfield as a matter of course. Nothing about this win over SBU is good news for Northwestern.

[JoeMauer89]

Just when I think UNC is made of steel, they play a game where they show vulnerabilities. Lest we forget, UNC didn't win it all last season. With this said, I don't think Northwestern is the team to beat them...

Interesting. I actually came away -- rightly or (likely) wrongly -- from this game being really impressed with UNC. The game showed more strengths than vulnerabilities, to me anyway. UNC played a really well-coached and well-prepared team, which featured a very unusual and energetic defense and plan, and UNC did what they had to do: keep the other side from scoring until they figured out what it would take to score. SBU made them play faster than perhaps UNC likes, and made them work for sharp interior passes -- the type that get knocked down and intercepted and mishandled -- and that resulted in more turnovers than usual for UNC. But the UNC defense made the stops it needed to make, and figured out a tough defense soon enough to win. I was impressed that UNC, in the middle of a very tight and tense game, continued to play its second midfield as a matter of course. Nothing about this win over SBU is good news for Northwestern.

100% agreed here

Joe

[Laxfan500]

Just when I think UNC is made of steel, they play a game where they show vulnerabilities. Lest we forget, UNC didn't win it all last season. With this said, I don't think Northwestern is the team to beat them...

Interesting. I actually came away -- rightly or (likely) wrongly -- from this game being really impressed with UNC. The game showed more strengths than vulnerabilities, to me anyway. UNC played a really well-coached and well-prepared team, which featured a very unusual and energetic defense and plan, and UNC did what they had to do: keep the other side from scoring until they figured out what it would take to score. SBU made them play faster than perhaps UNC likes, and made them work for sharp interior passes -- the type that get knocked down and intercepted and mishandled -- and that resulted in more turnovers than usual for UNC. But the UNC defense made the stops it needed to make, and figured out a tough defense soon enough to win. I was impressed that UNC, in the middle of a very tight and tense game, continued to play its second midfield as a matter of course. Nothing about this win over SBU is good news for Northwestern.

100% agreed here

Joe

Looking like thunderstorms on and off all day and evening Friday in Baltimore. Any chance they move games ? Or just pray for enough periods of clear skies ?

[Bart]

Just when I think UNC is made of steel, they play a game where they show vulnerabilities. Lest we forget, UNC didn't win it all last season. With this said, I don't think Northwestern is the team to beat them...

Interesting. I actually came away -- rightly or (likely) wrongly -- from this game being really impressed with UNC. The game showed more strengths than vulnerabilities, to me anyway. UNC played a really well-coached and well-prepared team, which featured a very unusual and energetic defense and plan, and UNC did what they had to do: keep the other side from scoring until they figured out what it would take to score. SBU made them play faster than perhaps UNC likes, and made them work for sharp interior passes -- the type that get knocked down and intercepted and mishandled -- and that resulted in more turnovers than usual for UNC. But the UNC defense made the stops it needed to make, and figured out a tough defense soon enough to win. I was impressed that UNC, in the middle of a very tight and tense game, continued to play its second midfield as a matter of course. Nothing about this win over SBU is good news for Northwestern.

100% agreed here

Joe

Looking like thunderstorms on and off all day and evening Friday in Baltimore. Any chance they move games ? Or just pray for enough periods of clear skies ?

I do not see how they would move the games. The infrastructure and every thing is set up there in Baltimore. Rooms rented, flights booked.....etc.
I think they just hope there are enough periods of clear skies.

[hmmm]

Just when I think UNC is made of steel, they play a game where they show vulnerabilities. Lest we forget, UNC didn't win it all last season. With this said, I don't think Northwestern is the team to beat them...

Interesting. I actually came away -- rightly or (likely) wrongly -- from this game being really impressed with UNC. The game showed more strengths than vulnerabilities, to me anyway. UNC played a really well-coached and well-prepared team, which featured a very unusual and energetic defense and plan, and UNC did what they had to do: keep the other side from scoring until they figured out what it would take to score. SBU made them play faster than perhaps UNC likes, and made them work for sharp interior passes -- the type that get knocked down and intercepted and mishandled -- and that resulted in more turnovers than usual for UNC. But the UNC defense made the stops it needed to make, and figured out a tough defense soon enough to win. I was impressed that UNC, in the middle of a very tight and tense game, continued to play its second midfield as a matter of course. Nothing about this win over SBU is good news for Northwestern.

100% agreed here

Joe

Looking like thunderstorms on and off all day and evening Friday in Baltimore. Any chance they move games ? Or just pray for enough periods of clear skies ?

I do not see how they would move the games. The infrastructure and every thing is set up there in Baltimore. Rooms rented, flights booked.....etc.
I think they just hope there are enough periods of clear skies.

When the Big Ten tourney was at Homewood a few years ago there were terrible storms all day during semis. Games were delayed and finished very late at night. Assume will be the same Friday if needed.

[wlaxphan20]

Just when I think UNC is made of steel, they play a game where they show vulnerabilities. Lest we forget, UNC didn't win it all last season. With this said, I don't think Northwestern is the team to beat them...

Interesting. I actually came away -- rightly or (likely) wrongly -- from this game being really impressed with UNC. The game showed more strengths than vulnerabilities, to me anyway. UNC played a really well-coached and well-prepared team, which featured a very unusual and energetic defense and plan, and UNC did what they had to do: keep the other side from scoring until they figured out what it would take to score. SBU made them play faster than perhaps UNC likes, and made them work for sharp interior passes -- the type that get knocked down and intercepted and mishandled -- and that resulted in more turnovers than usual for UNC. But the UNC defense made the stops it needed to make, and figured out a tough defense soon enough to win. I was impressed that UNC, in the middle of a very tight and tense game, continued to play its second midfield as a matter of course. Nothing about this win over SBU is good news for Northwestern.

100% agreed here

Joe

Looking like thunderstorms on and off all day and evening Friday in Baltimore. Any chance they move games ? Or just pray for enough periods of clear skies ?

I do not see how they would move the games. The infrastructure and every thing is set up there in Baltimore. Rooms rented, flights booked.....etc.
I think they just hope there are enough periods of clear skies.

When the Big Ten tourney was at Homewood a few years ago there were terrible storms all day during semis. Games were delayed and finished very late at night. Assume will be the same Friday if needed.

I think the start times being earlier make allowing for weather delays easier too (whether intentional or not I have no idea). But it’s only Tuesday, weather could shift a bit by Friday. Fingers crossed

[LarryGamLax]

Hard to imagine North Carolina losing this game, since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions. Still, this should be a good game. Like the SBU-UNC game, I think the story of this game will end up being Carolina's defense giving Gilbert and Co. a long and difficult day. UNC 16-10.

Seacoaster polishing up his comedy act. "since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions." Yuck, Yuck Yuck. What a knee slapper! Ladies and Gentlemen, the comedy stylings of "Shecky Seacoaster".

Just can't let go of 2012, right? HA!

I simply cannot see how KAH and staff can come up with a realistic strategy that would slow down the UNC offense. Madison Doucette needs to have another 10-12 save game in order for the Wildcats to get the W. NU will score, but I know Taylor Moreno will make saves too. NU has to win at both ends and break even with the Draw...to win the game. However, UNC can play a solid all-around game and win by 5+.

[Seacoaster(1)]

Hard to imagine North Carolina losing this game, since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions. Still, this should be a good game. Like the SBU-UNC game, I think the story of this game will end up being Carolina's defense giving Gilbert and Co. a long and difficult day. UNC 16-10.

Seacoaster polishing up his comedy act. "since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions." Yuck, Yuck Yuck. What a knee slapper! Ladies and Gentlemen, the comedy stylings of "Shecky Seacoaster".

Just can't let go of 2012, right? HA!

I simply cannot see how KAH and staff can come up with a realistic strategy that would slow down the UNC offense. Madison Doucette needs to have another 10-12 save game in order for the Wildcats to get the W. NU will score, but I know Taylor Moreno will make saves too. NU has to win at both ends and break even with the Draw...to win the game. However, UNC can play a solid all-around game and win by 5+.

Who's joking? Once the possession clock came into being -- and the players had to win the game on the field -- Northwestern became a good, not great, team. Here's hoping UNC pounds them into a running clock by the third quarter.

[wlaxphan20]

Hard to imagine North Carolina losing this game, since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions. Still, this should be a good game. Like the SBU-UNC game, I think the story of this game will end up being Carolina's defense giving Gilbert and Co. a long and difficult day. UNC 16-10.

Seacoaster polishing up his comedy act. "since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions." Yuck, Yuck Yuck. What a knee slapper! Ladies and Gentlemen, the comedy stylings of "Shecky Seacoaster".

Just can't let go of 2012, right? HA!

I simply cannot see how KAH and staff can come up with a realistic strategy that would slow down the UNC offense. Madison Doucette needs to have another 10-12 save game in order for the Wildcats to get the W. NU will score, but I know Taylor Moreno will make saves too. NU has to win at both ends and break even with the Draw...to win the game. However, UNC can play a solid all-around game and win by 5+.

Who's joking? Once the possession clock came into being -- and the players had to win the game on the field -- Northwestern became a good, not great, team. Here's hoping UNC pounds them into a running clock by the third quarter.

Slightly off topic, but just for the sake of actual lacrosse discussion...I know several posters have voiced their opinions about career records being broken and how unfair it is because the COVID year is giving them such an unfair advantage blah, blah. I think I've made my position on that very clear as well, but I'd like to add that we are finally seeing seniors and 5th years whose entire careers have been played in the shot-clock era. IMO the shot clock is the big contributing factor as to why these career records are falling or close to falling, not the ~7 games played before the season was ended in 2020 (especially when there is already such a large variance in career games played anyway).

[caged21]

Very astute observation. I hadn't thought of that but I think you're right.

[tothedraw]

Hard to imagine North Carolina losing this game, since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions. Still, this should be a good game. Like the SBU-UNC game, I think the story of this game will end up being Carolina's defense giving Gilbert and Co. a long and difficult day. UNC 16-10.

Seacoaster polishing up his comedy act. "since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions." Yuck, Yuck Yuck. What a knee slapper! Ladies and Gentlemen, the comedy stylings of "Shecky Seacoaster".

Just can't let go of 2012, right? HA!

I simply cannot see how KAH and staff can come up with a realistic strategy that would slow down the UNC offense. Madison Doucette needs to have another 10-12 save game in order for the Wildcats to get the W. NU will score, but I know Taylor Moreno will make saves too. NU has to win at both ends and break even with the Draw...to win the game. However, UNC can play a solid all-around game and win by 5+.

Who's joking? Once the possession clock came into being -- and the players had to win the game on the field -- Northwestern became a good, not great, team. Here's hoping UNC pounds them into a running clock by the third quarter.

Interesting, KAH built her brand on teams that used the rules to their advantage. Has been burned by weak defensive units and shortened possession time on offense.

[OuttaNowhereWregget]

Hard to imagine North Carolina losing this game, since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions. Still, this should be a good game. Like the SBU-UNC game, I think the story of this game will end up being Carolina's defense giving Gilbert and Co. a long and difficult day. UNC 16-10.

Seacoaster polishing up his comedy act. "since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions." Yuck, Yuck Yuck. What a knee slapper! Ladies and Gentlemen, the comedy stylings of "Shecky Seacoaster".

Just can't let go of 2012, right? HA!

I simply cannot see how KAH and staff can come up with a realistic strategy that would slow down the UNC offense. Madison Doucette needs to have another 10-12 save game in order for the Wildcats to get the W. NU will score, but I know Taylor Moreno will make saves too. NU has to win at both ends and break even with the Draw...to win the game. However, UNC can play a solid all-around game and win by 5+.

Who's joking? Once the possession clock came into being -- and the players had to win the game on the field -- Northwestern became a good, not great, team. Here's hoping UNC pounds them into a running clock by the third quarter.

You’re probably being facetious, I can’t tell, but there was a 6 year gap between the last national championship Northwestern won in 2012 and the advent of the shot clock in 2018.

[wlaxphan20]

Not that it makes a huge difference but shot clock started in 2017 for D1 and 2018 for D2 & D3

[OuttaNowhereWregget]

Not that it makes a huge difference but shot clock started in 2017 for D1 and 2018 for D2 & D3

Good catch. This announcer mentioning the shot clock as one of the new rules before first draw of the '18 season for NU has lodged its way into my memory bank so I have been laboring under the misconception that 2018 was the first season for the shot clock:

[Seacoaster(1)]

Hard to imagine North Carolina losing this game, since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions. Still, this should be a good game. Like the SBU-UNC game, I think the story of this game will end up being Carolina's defense giving Gilbert and Co. a long and difficult day. UNC 16-10.

Seacoaster polishing up his comedy act. "since NU can't run down the clock and reduce the game to four or five possessions." Yuck, Yuck Yuck. What a knee slapper! Ladies and Gentlemen, the comedy stylings of "Shecky Seacoaster".

Just can't let go of 2012, right? HA!

I simply cannot see how KAH and staff can come up with a realistic strategy that would slow down the UNC offense. Madison Doucette needs to have another 10-12 save game in order for the Wildcats to get the W. NU will score, but I know Taylor Moreno will make saves too. NU has to win at both ends and break even with the Draw...to win the game. However, UNC can play a solid all-around game and win by 5+.

Who's joking? Once the possession clock came into being -- and the players had to win the game on the field -- Northwestern became a good, not great, team. Here's hoping UNC pounds them into a running clock by the third quarter.

You’re probably being facetious, I can’t tell, but there was a 6 year gap between the last national championship Northwestern won in 2012 and the advent of the shot clock in 2018.

I am being a little facetious. But I don't think the NU coaching staff has adapted to the shot clock era and the new pace of play the way some other coaches and staff did.

[OuttaNowhereWregget]

I don't think the NU coaching staff has adapted to the shot clock era and the new pace of play the way some other coaches and staff did.

I think you summed the coaching philosophy up well in another place (maybe in the NU at UMD game thread) where you wrote something along the lines of 'they persist in the same ineffective strategy hoping for a different result'.