In a thrilling ACC Tournament matchup, Duke men’s lacrosse came up just short in a 9-8 loss to Syracuse, ending their postseason hopes in a fiercely contested semifinal. The Blue Devils, who entered the game with high expectations, saw their championship aspirations dashed in the closing minutes as the Orange capitalized on a late opportunity to secure the victory.
The game was a defensive showcase for both teams, with standout performances from goalkeepers and backline players keeping scoring to a minimum. Duke’s offense struggled to find consistent rhythm, often stymied by Syracuse’s aggressive pressure and tactical discipline. Despite a strong second-half push, Duke couldn’t overcome a slim deficit that lingered through the final quarter.
Star attacker Brennan O’Neill led the Blue Devils with two goals and an assist, continuing his standout season, but it wasn’t enough against a Syracuse squad that executed in crucial moments. The loss drops Duke out of ACC title contention and may impact their seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Coach John Danowski acknowledged the heartbreak but remained optimistic: “We’ve got more lacrosse ahead. This one hurts, but it’s about how we respond.”
Syracuse advances to the ACC Championship with growing momentum, while Duke returns to Durham to regroup. The Blue Devils will now await their NCAA tournament fate, hopeful their overall body of work earns them a strong seed.
This loss serves as a sobering reminder of the razor-thin margins in playoff lacrosse—and how every possession counts.
