As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament gets underway, the path to championship glory begins with a fierce first-round showdown between the No. 7 seeded Duke Blue Devils and a surging Georgetown Hoyas squad. Slated to take place in the electric confines of Koskinen Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, this high-stakes matchup is far more than just a first-round clash—it’s a battle of pedigree, pressure, and postseason poise.
Duke, a perennial powerhouse in men’s lacrosse, enters the tournament with high expectations and championship aspirations. Meanwhile, Georgetown, riding the momentum of a strong finish in the Big East, comes into the dance with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
Let’s break down what’s at stake, who to watch, and why this showdown could set the tone for the rest of the NCAA Tournament.
A Legacy on the Line for Duke
The Blue Devils, under the leadership of head coach John Danowski, are making their 26th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and their 17th consecutive trip—a streak unmatched in consistency. With three national championships (2010, 2013, 2014) under Danowski’s tenure, Duke has long been a standard bearer in the college lacrosse world.
This season, the No. 7 seed reflects both the challenges and triumphs of a Blue Devils squad that has faced stiff ACC competition all year long. Duke ended the regular season with a 10–5 record, including signature wins over Syracuse and Denver but also tough losses to Notre Dame and Virginia. Despite the ups and downs, the Blue Devils remain a team loaded with talent, depth, and experience.
Danowski knows better than most that success in May is earned, not given. “We’ve built this program around playing our best lacrosse when it matters most,” said Danowski. “Georgetown is an incredibly talented team, and we’re going to have to be at our very best to move on.”
Georgetown: The Underdog with Bite
The Hoyas may not have the championship hardware that Duke boasts, but they are far from pushovers. Head coach Kevin Warne has turned Georgetown into a formidable force in the Big East and a consistent NCAA Tournament team. This marks the Hoyas’ sixth consecutive appearance in the tournament, and after a late-season surge, they earned an at-large bid with a 9–6 record.
Georgetown’s season has been defined by grit and resilience. After starting the year 2–4, the Hoyas rallied with key wins over Denver and Villanova, earning them a place among the 16 best teams in the country. They aren’t here by accident—they’re here to shock the world.
“We’ve been battle-tested all year,” Warne said. “Our guys have fought through adversity, and we’re excited for the opportunity to compete against one of the best programs in the country.”
Key Players to Watch: Duke
Brennan O’Neill (Attack)
The centerpiece of Duke’s offense and one of the most electrifying players in college lacrosse, Brennan O’Neill is the engine that makes the Blue Devils go. The senior Tewaaraton Award finalist has tallied 41 goals and 27 assists on the year, showcasing a rare blend of power, finesse, and lacrosse IQ.
“Brennan’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet,” Danowski said. “He’s a leader, a warrior, and someone who rises in big moments.”
O’Neill’s ability to draw double teams and still score at will will be critical against Georgetown’s aggressive defensive scheme.
Garrett Leadmon (Midfield)
Leadmon is the workhorse of Duke’s midfield unit, contributing on both ends of the field. His transition play and ground-ball prowess give Duke a huge advantage in the middle of the field, especially when it comes to fast breaks and clearing possessions.
Kenny Brower (Defense)
Brower anchors Duke’s defense and will likely be tasked with neutralizing Georgetown’s top scoring threats. A seasoned veteran with All-American credentials, Brower’s physicality and leadership will be critical in limiting the Hoyas’ offensive production.
Key Players to Watch: Georgetown
Graham Bundy Jr. (Midfield)
Bundy is the heart and soul of Georgetown’s offense. With 34 goals and 18 assists this season, he’s a do-it-all midfielder capable of taking over a game. His shooting range and dodging ability will challenge Duke’s defensive schemes.
Nicky Solomon (Attack)
The former UNC Tar Heel transferred to Georgetown for a fresh start, and he’s delivered in a big way. Solomon, a crafty lefty, has been deadly from X and is a strong finisher near the crease. His familiarity with ACC opponents could give the Hoyas an edge in terms of strategy.
Will Bowen (Defense)
Bowen is one of the best close defenders in the nation. Standing at 6’3” and 220 pounds, he brings size, speed, and intelligence to Georgetown’s back line. His anticipated matchup against Brennan O’Neill could be one of the most compelling one-on-one battles of the entire tournament.
The Matchup Breakdown
Offense
Duke’s offense ranks among the best in the nation, averaging 14.2 goals per game. The Blue Devils excel in ball movement, unselfish play, and precision finishing. Georgetown’s defense, however, is among the stingiest, allowing just 9.1 goals per contest. The clash between Duke’s high-octane offense and Georgetown’s structured defense will be a chess match from the opening whistle.
Faceoffs
Possession is everything in playoff lacrosse, and faceoff specialist Jake Naso gives Duke a huge advantage at the “X.” Naso has won over 60% of his draws this season, giving the Blue Devils extra possessions that often lead to goals. Georgetown’s faceoff unit will need to disrupt Naso’s rhythm to stay competitive.
Goalkeeping
Duke’s William Helm has had a solid season between the pipes, posting a 53% save percentage. For Georgetown, Danny Hincks has been a revelation in goal, often bailing out his defense with timely saves. Whichever goalie can stand tallest under the tournament spotlight may very well dictate the outcome.
X-Factors
Home-Field Advantage
Koskinen Stadium has long been a house of horrors for visiting teams. The raucous Durham crowd, especially in the NCAA Tournament, gives Duke a palpable edge. The Blue Devils are 7–1 at home this season and will be fueled by an electric student section eager for another championship run.
Coaching Experience
Danowski’s postseason résumé is unmatched, with over 30 NCAA Tournament wins to his name. His ability to make in-game adjustments, especially in tight situations, gives Duke a tactical edge. Warne is a respected coach in his own right, but this may be his biggest challenge yet.
Weather and Tempo
Forecasts predict a warm, sunny afternoon in Durham—ideal conditions for a fast-paced game. Duke thrives in transition and could push tempo early to tire Georgetown’s defenders. If the Hoyas can slow the pace and win long possessions, they can dictate the flow of the game.
What’s at Stake
For Duke, anything short of a deep run is considered a disappointment. The Blue Devils have the roster, coaching, and pedigree to compete for a national title, but a first-round exit would sting. This game is their first step toward redemption after falling in the NCAA semifinals last season.
For Georgetown, this game represents an opportunity to slay a giant and earn respect on a national stage. A win over Duke would be a statement that the Hoyas belong among the elite programs in the country. It would also be Georgetown’s first NCAA Tournament win since 2021.
Prediction
This matchup has all the ingredients for a classic: two well-coached teams, elite individual talent, and high stakes. While Georgetown has the talent to keep things close, Duke’s depth, faceoff dominance, and home-field advantage give them the edge.
Final Score Prediction: Duke 13, Georgetown 10
Expect Brennan O’Neill to shine in the spotlight and for the Blue Devils to punch their ticket to the NCAA Quarterfinals.
Looking Ahead
Should Duke advance, they would likely face the winner of the No. 2 Johns Hopkins vs. Princeton matchup—a potential rematch with Hopkins that could reignite one of lacrosse’s most storied rivalries. For now, though, all eyes are on Sunday’s clash in Durham.
In May, legends are born, champions are forged, and heartbreak is inevitable. The Blue Devils are ready to dance—will Georgetown play spoiler, or will Duke rise again on their home turf?