One of the quickest lacrosse games I have ever witnessed passed mercifully through the void today, as Ohio State labored to a 2 goal victory over a team it should probably have beaten by 5. The Buckeyes struggled in all offensive phases, aside from Garrett Haas. Haas tallied 4 assists to lead the team in that category, as well as total points.
Bryant's goalie was good, though his 15 saves is bolstered by some truly horrendous shot placement on the part of Ohio State. Stick side high is the worst possible shot, and yet I think 8 or 9 shots went there. It is ludicrous.
The Buckeye strategy at SSDM this season is paying decent dividends. Instead of going for pure defense in middies, the Buckeyes put all their best athletes at SSDM, and are riding it out. Dominic Shaw is playing a ton, getting 2 groundballs and a caused turnover today. Ari Allen played really tough.
Bryant had nowhere to go all day. They really only scored in transition, or in chaos. Settled offense was abysmal.
Ohio State, in turn, flailed pathetically on offense. Hardly anyone got open off a dodge, except Haas. Haas really is the most dangerous player on the team, and everyone is aware now. Basic alley dodges become perilous because Haas sucks down the defense so far at X. That's how all the goals were scored that Haas assisted on, except maybe one. It's pure respect. Which is nice.
But everyone else? Woof. Below 60% SOG again, no cutting off ball except late in the shot clock on designed calls. Just bad.
Fyock played well, saving over 50% of the shots that hit his net. Only 5 goals against is special. He is going to keep OSU in games, many they have no business being in.
This brutal outing is over, and OSU is where I thought they would be. One loss. Just didn't think they would have a win over Virginia, who stood toe to toe with Hopkins today and scored 12 goals.
Notre Dame, fresh off a narrow loss, awaits. Good lord, Maryland is a unit. And a pissed off Irish team, in South Bend, is going to be as brutal a draw as the Buckeyes will see. Should be a rager.
Go Bucks! Beat the Irish!
