Here we go, friends.
Syracuse men's lacrosse takes on my hometown Maryland Terrapins on Saturday in the national semifinals of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The No. 6 seed Orange (13-5 overall) returns to championship weekend for the first time dating back to 2013, and the 'Cuse is eyeing its 12th national title.
It's been a while since the Orange won the grand prize, as Syracuse men's lacrosse last captured national championships in 2008 and 2009. Meanwhile, Maryland (13-3 overall) is the No. 2 seed and last won the whole thing in 2022.
Full disclosure: Syracuse is my alma mater, but I also love the Terps. My Mom went to Maryland, and I live about 20 minutes from the College Park campus. Still, I want my beloved Orange to crush UMD on Saturday afternoon in Massachusetts.
Saturday's national semifinal will be a rematch of a contest from earlier this year. On February 15, Maryland, at home, defeated Syracuse men's lacrosse by a final count of 11-7.
The Terrapins have had SU's number of late, claiming seven straight triumphs. Per cuse.com, Syracuse men's lacrosse, all time, is 17-10 in the national semifinals and 11-6 in championship-game encounters
How to watch Syracuse men's lacrosse battle Maryland in the Final Four.
The Orange and the Terps will face off beginning at 2:30 pm on Saturday, May 24, at Gilette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Before that affair, No. 1 seed Cornell will take on No. 5 seed Penn State starting at noon. Both matches will air on ESPN2.
This press release from SU Athletics also provides other options on how to tune into the 'Cuse national semifinal game against Maryland. The title contest will occur on Monday, May 26, commencing at 1 pm and airing on ESPN.
Hopefully, Syracuse men's lacrosse is playing on Monday. That would be beautiful, as head coach Gary Gait and his program look to get back to the top of the sport.
The 2025 campaign has proven a whirlwind one for the 'Cuse. The Orange suffered three consecutive setbacks to end the regular season. Then, Syracuse men's lacrosse won the ACC Tournament, defeating two excellent teams, Notre Dame and Duke, along the way.
In the NCAA Tournament, the 'Cuse has prevailed by a combined two goals in two victories. First, Syracuse men's lacrosse beat Harvard, 13-12, in overtime. Last Saturday in the quarterfinals, the Orange got past No. 3 seed Princeton, 19-18, in one of the most nerve-wracking affairs I've ever seen.