History lesson: Albany has never played in the Semifinals, let alone won a title. Maryland under coach John Tillman, has qualified for championship weekend five of the last six years. The Terps haven’t won the NCAA title since 1975, going 0-9 in championship games since. Maryland defeated Albany 12-11 this season on April 12.
Stat that matters: Albany’s analytics are spectacular. They lead the country in scoring offense, assists per game, man-down defense, and are second in face-off winning percentage.
What we learned from the first round: Who can play for all 60 minutes? Great Danes scored 14 goals against North Carolina dominating the first half. The Heels countered with nine-straight third quarter goals to make it a game. Meanwhile Maryland led Bryant 13-5 and got sloppy surrendering five straight goals late.
X-factor: This game exudes star power with Albany’s Connor Fields and Terp Matt Rambo, a pair of Tewaaraton finalists. Rambo has scored at least five points in each of his last five NCAA Tournament games.
Albany (15-2) will win if: It scores in transition and keep the ball hot in its half-field offensive sets, while moving and cutting without it.
Maryland (13-3) will win if: Face-off men Austin Henningsen, Jon Garino, and the wingers all do their jobs. Albany is accustomed to a possession advantage. The Terps may shred Albany’s defense in settled sets with Rambo, Colin Heacock, Jared Bernhardt, Connor Kelly and Tim Rotanz.
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