Mistakes cost UNC in overtime loss to Denver

With both offenses firing on all cylinders, the North Carolina and Denver lacrosse teams faced off to open overtime, looking to earn the offensive possession to give them the sudden-death victory.

And for the 21st time in the game, No. 2 Denver claimed possession and yet another opportunity for its prolific offense. The first possession of overtime would be the deciding one for Denver, as the No. 10 Tar Heels fell 13-12 in a thriller.

The Tar Heels did well to battle back in the first place, as they fell three goals behind with just 6:32 to play in the fourth quarter.

After struggling offensively through most of the second half — managing just two goals in 21:28 of play — the Tar Heels exploded for four goals to reclaim the lead with just a minute to play.

But if not for crucial errors down the stretch, the Tar Heels could have eluded the massive hole they helped dig. Costly turnovers in the third period turned momentum to the Denver side.

Most of UNC ‘s turnovers in the period came while clearing, giving Denver both extra possessions and better looks at the goal. Against one of the best teams in the nation, the Tar Heels paid for almost every error they made, usually with a ball in the back of the net.

While the Tar Heels battled back in inspiring fashion to close the game, their errors down the stretch gave the Pioneers the opportunities they needed to claim their fifth victory of the season.

Notable

North Carolina threw three different players at Trevor Baptiste, all with no avail. Baptiste was simply unstoppable on face-offs, earning an advantage UNC has become accustomed to having.

Quotable

“The most glaring stat for us wasn’t the face-offs, it was the clearing game. We failed to clear it four times, which resulted in three goals. In a game like this against a very very good Denver team, you can’t do that.” – Coach Joe Breschi on his team’s key turnovers.

Three Numbers That Matter

7: In a high-scoring game, UNC could only muster seven face-off wins in 28 trips to the line.

5:26: After struggling to find the net against Denver’s defense in the second half, the Tar Heels rattled off four goals in just 5:26. UNC’s explosive offense has proven its ability to score in bunches.

64: UNC (30) and Denver (34) combined for 64 shots in the game, as neither team showed any hesitation when shooting opportunities presented themselves.

What's next?

The Tar Heels will travel to take on Massachusetts next Saturday, March 12, at 1 p.m. 

@_brohammed

sports@dailytarheel.com