LaxPower Back-Up Stick

When it comes to games that have the potential to be thrillers, I think this one may actually be a tad underrated. Both teams are 4-3 and have had a mix of solid and disappointing showings thus far. Navy is coming off a victory over Hopkins, which was their best performance so far this season. Also, last year's blowout loss to the Wildcats up in Philly is burning inside of them. Meanwhile, Nova, while they defeated Monmouth on Saturday, are probably not too thrilled with their showing and beating the Hawks just by one. Therefore, they are hungry for a strong performance.

Folks, I can't predict a winner. But, Iike I said on the Navy thread, I am predicting a final score of like 12-11 or 11-10.

Predictions?

Is anyone going?

I wish I could get there in person but will have to watch the stream. Weather looks maybe a bit chilly (49 F with 10 mph wind) but not horrible.

Agree with gymman's analysis of the game. Hoping for a good one!

Per LaxReference, Navy is somewhat ahead in offensive and defensive efficiency; face-off % pretty even (two good performers at the X); Navy has had stronger goalkeeping; but Villanova ranked higher using the ELO model: https://lacrossereference.com/live-win- ... 2_20240319

Villanova as mentioned on their thread is moving up the charts, 13th in RPI, difficult schedule, "good" wins over Colgate and Lehigh.

Redshirt Freshman Colin Michener is someone I've been keeping an eye on as someone along the lines of Matt Campbell or Connor Kirst - Villanova was fortunate to have a family connection, to get Michener to stay home.

Also Jake Melchionni, freshman who performed well in last summer prep All American expos - also with family ties to Villanova.

Nova by 4, if not more. Hope otherwise, but not feeling it this evening.

Navy taken a beaten

Villanova has really turned things around.

They will definitely compete with the Pios and G-town for the Big East title.

10stone5 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:22 pm Villanova has really turned things around.

They will definitely compete with the Pios and G-town for the Big East title.

The same Villanova team that barely beat Monmouth by 1 point on Saturday? Navy’s not good. Hopkins just had a really bad game

Laxhog wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:46 pm

10stone5 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:22 pm Villanova has really turned things around.

They will definitely compete with the Pios and G-town for the Big East title.

The same Villanova team that barely beat Monmouth by 1 point on Saturday? Navy’s not good. Hopkins just had a really bad game

So, if JHU had a really bad game to a loss vs Navy, why couldn’t Nova have had a bad game vs Monmouth?

Navy just beat Hopkins - at the time, a top 3 RPI team.

One of the best games Villanova has played this year.
They are ahead of schedule and getting some very good production out of their freshmen, a real turnaround from the start of the year - they will compete with the Pios and G-town if for no other reason than, for instance, G-town is not as dominent as in past years.

youthathletics wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:07 pm

Laxhog wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:46 pm

10stone5 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:22 pm Villanova has really turned things around.

They will definitely compete with the Pios and G-town for the Big East title.

The same Villanova team that barely beat Monmouth by 1 point on Saturday? Navy’s not good. Hopkins just had a really bad game

So, if JHU had a really bad game to a loss vs Navy, why couldn’t Nova have had a bad game vs Monmouth?

An even better question / response.

A big win for Nova. Sitting down to watch the game after the fact, but I checked the stats. Not only did Coppola dominate the faceoff (14 of 22), but Wilson had a great game in goal with a 68% save percentage. And true to form, Licata had 3 goals and 2 assists.

10stone5 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:08 pm

youthathletics wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:07 pm

Laxhog wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:46 pm

10stone5 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:22 pm Villanova has really turned things around.

They will definitely compete with the Pios and G-town for the Big East title.

The same Villanova team that barely beat Monmouth by 1 point on Saturday? Navy’s not good. Hopkins just had a really bad game

So, if JHU had a really bad game to a loss vs Navy, why couldn’t Nova have had a bad game vs Monmouth?

An even better question / response.

Hopkins is bad right now. Very bad.