8. Syracuse
After losing two of three to the Ivy League, Syracuse made some subtle adjustments to its SSDM and midfield lines. More importantly, they turned up the gas and pushed the ball in transition in a 12-8 win at Homewood Field over Johns Hopkins. Point guard Joey Spallina played extremely well; his skillset is deep. Defender Billy Dwan III, whose father roamed the field as a Blue Jay in the heyday, scored twice in transition. FOGO Johnny Mullen was dialed in after committing 18 violations in the first five games. Luke Rhoa was sharp with four points. SU came into the game as the No. 10 defensive efficiency unit in the country and locked down the Jays, forcing weak-angled shots that Jimmy McCool gobbled up. This close defense is outstanding and the play of their SSDM group, with some new additions, was vastly improved to what we witnessed against Princeton and Harvard. Credit their DC John Odierna — SU can win with defense.
HHH plays at Air Force on Thursday and then Denver on Monday, March 16, as part of their Rocky Mountain spring break trip.