Men's lacrosse: Army falls to top-seeded Boston in Patriot finals

If there’s one thing Army has learned over the years, it’s winning the Patriot League men’s lacrosse title is no easy task.

The second-seeded Black Knights threw away their chance at earning a third playoff title and sure NCAA tournament berth with a 14-10 setback to top seed Boston University at Nickerson Field in Boston.

“I don't believe it was our very best today, but it wasn't certainly had nothing to do with a lack of effort,’’ said Army coach Joe Alberici.

Army turned the ball over 24 times, or 10 more than its season average. It’s no wonder given how Boston ranked first in the nation with nearly 12 forced miscues per match, causing 14 on Sunday – the rest for Army came on some very sloppy passing and seven failed clears, all in the second half.

“We had some clearing woes,’’ Alberici sadid. “The second half was a combination of what (B.U.) did and maybe some things that we can do better. So we ended up playing a lot of defense, and coming back (against a) very talented offense they were kind of able to stretch (their) lead from halftime.’’

The loss was only the second for Army (12-4) in its last eight matches, dating back to March 19, but could be very costly. With a ratings percentage index already at No. 18, the setback will likely keep Army on the outside of the NCAA tournament field of 18, with only eight at-large bids to be handed out Sunday evening.

The Terriers (12-4) won their Patriot final debut, earning their first berth into the NCAA tournament.

The Army seniors graduate with an overall mark of 38-15, one regular-season title, the Patriot playoff title in 2019 and the NCAA berth that went with it. Army’s fifth goal of the day established a single-season record that extended to 225.

All-American attack Brendan Nichtern, the two-time Patriot League offensive player of the year, had two goals and four assists. He concludes his celebrated career – perhaps the best in Army history – with school marks of 284 points and 168 assists, and his 116 goals ranks No. 10.

Lost in the setback was a career-high five goals (29 for the season) by junior midfielder Reese Burek, tying the record for most goals in a Patriot final. He had just one goal headed into the season.

Army beat Boston University, 15-14, at Nickerson on the final day of the regular season April 29. This match proved similar in one fashion with Army’s struggle to match up defensively with a B.U. team that likes to spread the scoring – eight Terriers scored in the final and seven in the title match.

B.U.’s Timmy Lay netted four goals, including a highlight-reel, over-the-back shot that opened the scoring in the third minute. Army tied the match less than three minutes later but never took the lead.

The decisive run came midway through the third quarter. Leading only 8-7, Matt Hilburn, James Corcoran, Donnie Howard and Lay scored in a 5:43 stretch as the Terriers seized a 12-7 lead and took that margin to the fourth.

Army rallied early in the final quarter, pulling within 13-10 with 9:21 left on goals by Nichtern, Matthew Horace and Danny Kielbasa. BU’s Tommy Bourque scored a minute later, and the final eight minutes was a stretch of frustration for the cadets.

“We just weren't able to get into a two- or three-goal run all that often,’’ Alberici said.

“I just thought we played really well,’’ said B.U.’s Ryan Polley, the two-time Patriot League coach of the year. “Our ride at the end was incredible. We kept getting more possessions … we talked yesterday about we're at our best when we're creating possessions. I thought we created a ton of possessions and I thought our seniors were great.’’

Matt Garber made 15 saves in the win. He said he didn’t think too much about Army’s potent shooters because that would have only stressed him more.

“It’s awesome, I’ve never won a championship in my life before,’’ said Garber. “We just worked so hard, everyone, the whole team, for the last year.’’

Alberici was grateful for what his players did this season, particularly the graduating seniors.

“I’ve got a full heart,’’ he said. “I feel blessed to be able to have coached these young men and watch them develop, not only as lacrosse players but more importantly as people and as leaders. I know the great things that they're going to go on to do for our country.’’

kmcmillan@th-record.com

Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Army West Point Boston University Patriot League men's lacrosse NCAA